The Joseph M Ruffin Foundation was founded in 2013 by Joseph (Jody) M. Ruffin, Jr., with a profound mission to improve the communities and the lives of individuals in Virginia through monetary support. Jody served as the Chairman of the Board until his untimely passing on January 23, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, generosity, and a deep commitment to helping others.

The Joseph M Ruffin Foundation was founded in 2013 by Joseph (Jody) M. Ruffin, Jr., with a profound mission to improve the communities and the lives of individuals in Virginia through monetary support. Jody served as the Chairman of the Board until his untimely passing on January 23, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, generosity, and a deep commitment to helping others.

Born in Roanoke and raised in Richmond, VA, Jody graduated from Hampden-Sydney College in 1962. He then joined his father in the family lumber/millwork business, Ruffin & Payne, Inc. Over the years, Jody specialized in purchasing lumber products and diligently served as the Chairman of Ruffin & Payne until 2019.

Jody loved sports, classical music, and a cold bottle of Coca-Cola. He was fascinated with technology, and he supported progress and change. Although he was soft-spoken, when he spoke, people listened. He had a great sense of humor and a generous nature. Jody will be remembered for his intelligence, kindness, and eagerness to help others.

An active member of the Richmond Rotary Club, Jody wholeheartedly supported their mission to create lasting change in communites. Years of faithfully attending and participating in Rotary meetings helped influence Jody’s decision to form his own foundation to perpetually help fellow Virginians.

This Foundation is a lasting tribute to Jody’s spirit of giving and caring for others. Through the collective efforts of the foundation and the guidance of its esteemed Board of Directors, the legacy of support and community betterment continues, striving to create a brighter future for all through financial support for charities.

Jody was born in Roanoke, but he spent most of his life in Richmond, VA. He graduated from Hampden-Sydney College in 1962 and joined his father in the family lumber/millwork business, Ruffin & Payne, Inc. Jody specialized in purchasing lumber products and served as the Chairman of Ruffin & Payne until 2019.

Jody loved sports, classical music, and a cold bottle of Coca-Cola. He was fascinated with technology, and he supported progress and change. Although he was soft-spoken, when he spoke, people listened. He had a great sense of humor and a generous nature. Jody will be remembered for his intelligence, kindness, and eagerness to help others.