Alfonzo “Al” Junichi Rucks July 28th, 1960 – March 19th, 2022
Born on July 28th, 1960 in Osaka, Japan to James and Yaeko (Ruby) Sudo Rucks. Al’s family moved to Tacoma, Washington when Al was just an infant and resided here until his passing. As a teenager, a fond memory of Al’s was a trip back to Japan where he met his Uncle Genshin. Al’s wishes were to be cremated and he will be laid to rest with his parents at Mountain View Cemetery in Lakewood, WA. Al is survived by his loving wife Tracie Rucks, daughter Alexandria Yaeko Rucks, first wife Betty Rucks and step children Krystal (Anthony) Lewis, Corley (Jeremy “Red”) McCabe, Dayna (James) Wells, John P. Lamirande, Nina (Mattlee) Duncan, Tiffani (Cameron) Zieg, his combined 15 grandchildren, one great grandchild, nieces, nephews, Grandma Judy, Grandma Lee and many, many friends. Al loved his family; he was an adoring husband and an exceptional father and grandfather. He showed this love and kindness in many ways. One of the ways he demonstrated this love was by writing a love note every morning to his wife. He also shared his passion and gift for athletics back with his children, grandchildren and extended family coaching on the field and cheering from the stands. Al had been a huge part of sports at Woodrow Wilson High School where he graduated in 1978 and was a badass on the field! He not only coached teams for his stepdaughter Corley, but also his niece Megan; from basketball, fast pitch and soccer Al was always coaching them all up. He was not only a vital part of many lives in his own family, but also those in the community. Our sweet Al passed on March 19th, 2022 listening to Motown. Smokey Robinson sang him home in peace. Family and friends are invited to join us as we celebrate Al’s life on Sunday, April 3rd 2022, starting at 1pm with a special prayer & dove release around 3pm. This celebration will take place at the Home Plate Tavern located at 1042 South Sprague, Tacoma, WA 98405. A place near and dear to Al, where he cheered on the Seahawks, celebrating every first down! It is a place where his presence is felt and you can picture him playing pool, darts or golf, all while looking Smooth…“As long as there is love and memory, there is no true loss” Cassandra Clare
We all loved you Al, you were a wonderful Brother in law to me and my boys loved you very much!
No matter what was happening at the Home Plate, we always had a blast! From you dressing up on Halloween, to dart tournaments and football games….you may be gone, but my memories will live forever!!
my mind and heart are filled with the deepest of sarrow and pain as are so many others . I went to Wilson with old AJ Jam as we called him back then . One of the nicest man ive ever known . He was like a celebrity to me with that brand new Trans Am back in school to getting reacquainted years later . He never had a bad thing to say about anyone and was always there with that big beautiful smile and the voice that i will remember forever . He was always that guy that you could totally enjoy hanging out with no matter what it was , from fishing with the guys ,or camping , or just about anything anywhere . Anyone whom ever got to know him loved him . And oh how he showed his love back . Traci my heart goes out to you and hope you find peace and comfort someday . And know you where a very lucky woman to havenloved and be.loved by one of the best. ( Love note left every morning ) he loved you so. And Alexandra i .pray for you and your healing baby girl . Know that he loved you with all his might . I know from to much experience that grief never goes away but there’s a process of grieving and we all deal with it in different ways. You all take all time you possibly need to find.peace and and let all that he was to you be shown and shine on forever. I Loved him dearly and im here for you all for what ever that mught be that you need me for, for you all mean the worldvto me. Hugest of hugs and kisses !!! Berta
I love you forever and always daddy! ❤️
I love you forever and always daddy! ❤️
Love always your baby
Dear Al,
You will be truly missed and please know you helped make many people better. I always will cherish our friendship and stories about growing up in our neighborhood, kool cars, and Peck Field ball games.
And my Dad…
Your parting has left a huge loss and we will miss your famous words at our HP Seahawks games of, “Yeah Baby” with your infamous microphone.
Thank you for your kindness, love, wisdom, and sweet soul.
Now fly high into the eternal light and be at peace with your Mom and Dad holding you close❤
Al we will miss you. Love and prayers for your family.
Forever and always in our hearts.
One of the most beautiful human beings to roam the earth, inside and out. Such a hard hard loss.
We will miss you deeply Al.
Al was a great friend to me and Linda we loved him dearly
We love you Al. We will always treasure all the memories we created together. You truly are one in a million and will be truly missed. We love you, and we will see you on the other side my friend. Prayers to all his loved ones. We love you Traci and Alex.
Al will miss you you were a great person to hang out with. Always enjoyed spending time with you and the family. I will truly miss you.
Just loved him♥️!! AL AL THE KIDDIES PAL!! I feel a sadness for not being able to ever see that cute face of his again. Feel blessed to have had him in my life!! He was family!!