Paul James "Jim" Rodgers Jr.

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Jim Rodgers, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Jim passed away on Wednesday, February 26th, after a courageous battle with complications following surgery. He was surrounded by the love of his family at St. Joseph’s Emory Hospital.

Jim was born on November 7, 1948, in Millington, Tennessee. As a child, his family relocated to Green Cove Springs, Florida, where he grew up. After graduating from Clay High School, he attended St. Johns River College before answering the call to serve his country. In October of 1967, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he was stationed at NAS North Island, San Diego. It was there that he met the love of his life, Janet, who would become his devoted wife of 55 years.

After serving proudly during the Vietnam War, Jim and Janet settled in Green Cove Springs for five years before moving back to San Diego, where they raised their family. A natural in communication and sales, Jim built a successful career in the family-owned communications business, working alongside his brothers-in-law for over four decades. Upon retiring, he and Janet moved to Cumming, Georgia, where he embraced his passion for fishing and enjoyed the beauty of the nearby lakes. His love of fishing and boating started at an early age and took him to the waters of Mexico, the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, and the rivers and lakes of the Sierras, Alaska and New Zealand. Jim also loved camping and cherished the time spent outdoors with family and friends. He found joy in cooking, creating meals filled with love for those closest to him, and especially enjoyed sharing pictures of his culinary creations that he made nightly for Janet.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Janet; his son, Paul; his daughter, Jennifer; his daughter-in-law, Linda; his son-in-law, David; and his cherished grandchildren, Marcus, Mia, and Ian. He is also survived by his siblings, Mike (Gloria), Donna (Randy), Emmett, Fletcher, David (Karen), MarthaAnn (Gerald), and Mark (Nellie), as well as his brothers-in-law, Bob (Barbara) and Ron (Dawn). Jim’s family was the center of his world, and he treasured every moment spent with them, along with his many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Jim’s kindness, warmth, and unwavering love for his family will be deeply missed but never forgotten. A celebration of his life will be held this summer, where family and friends can gather to honor his memory and share in the love he so generously gave.