Mesa, Arizona
Jean-Paul Ruch, 55, died at the Phoenix VA Medical Center on March 11, 2023, with family and friends at his side. He was raised in Morgantown, Indiana. Jean-Paul was born on September 25, 1967 in Indianapolis to Edward and Janet (Mitchell) Ruch. While still an infant, he was placed in the home of John and Mabel (McClellan) Zeilinga in Morgantown. Jean-Paul always thought of John and Mabel Zeilinga as his parents, and throughout his life followed their model of faith and service to others. Jean-Paul attended Providence Christian Church and Union Elementary School nearby, later attending schools in Franklin, Indiana. Following high school, Jean-Paul enlisted in the US Army from 1987 until 1997, serving as a Still Photography Specialist. His most significant military assignment was as the Documentary Photographer on archeological excavations in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, where he and his team searched for the remains of American servicemen missing in action. After his Honorable discharge, Jean-Paul made a home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he attended and later worked at St. John’s University, achieving a Master’s Degree in the classical philosophy, theology and literature of India, China and Japan. In the years that followed, Jean-Paul often worked as a Counselor and Peer Support Specialist for individuals seeking recovery. Jean-Paul’s commitment to recovery was personal, as well as professional. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many in-person recovery meetings either shut down or moved to an online format. Jean-Paul, along with other dedicated individuals, ensured that in-person meetings remained open in Mesa, Arizona, where he made his home. Jean-Paul was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Hillside Ward, in Mesa, AZ. Jean-Paul is survived by siblings Julie Burton, Jan Radcliffe, Jane Ward, Joe Zeilinga, and John Zeilinga, all of Morgantown, Indiana; Will Ruch, Yonkers, New York; Robert Matz, Alameda, California; and Thomas Wright, Saline, Michigan. A Celebration of Jean-Paul’s life was held at Courage to Change, in Mesa, Arizona, on March 21, 2023. Many spoke of Jean-Paul’s kindness, humility, and service to others. His ashes were scattered there, and at his beloved church. Mesa, AZ Jean-Paul Ruch.
