“He taught us exactly what faith in a God who journeys with you everyday means”
December, 2025 – Drew Theological School is mourning the loss of Master of Divinity student James Rufflin, who passed away on November 17, 2025. He was 70 years old.
“James was a beloved member of the Drew community and his powerful, spiritual, and joyful singing contributed beautifully to chapel and special services for many years,” said Drew Theological School Dean Edwin David Aponte. “James graced us with his warmth, kindness, and friendship.”
Rufflin was a vibrant presence on campus, known for his warm personality, wide and welcoming smile, and his booming singing voice he shared during campus events—including Commencement services—and always donning his signature collection of performance shoes.
“No matter how hard it was to get his old car to Drew or even when he was not feeling at his strongest physically, he would come to give guest presentations in our classes, sing in our chapel services, or belt out a solo in “Draw the Circle Wide” at our commencement ceremonies, providing just the uplifting highlight we needed at each event,” said James W. Pearsall Professor Emerita of Christian Ethics and African American Studies Traci West.
A musician with 59 years of serving as a minister of music serving, Rufflin graduated from Arts High School in Newark, New Jersey, and earned his bachelor of music education from West Minster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey.
He performed alongside such musical legends as Reverend James Cleveland, Reverend Shirley Ceasar, Evangelist Dorothy Norwood, the Gospel Keynotes, just to name a few. He was also a former member of the New Jersey Mass Choir and assistant to the Director, Dr. Emily “Cissy” Houston, the mother of Whitney Houston.
“With such brave spiritual and emotional vulnerability, as well as his extraordinary musical giftedness, he taught us exactly what faith in a God who journeys with you everyday means,” said West. “I still want to hear James sing his high notes, his deep voice call out to me as he sat in Seminary Hall, or send me another text message with a silly character wishing me a good day filled with God’s blessings.”
