James Thomas Rogers Jr.

James Thomas (JT) Rogers, Jr., July 7, 1936, in Fort Worth, TX - April 30, 2018, in Dallas, TX. JT Rogers was the best of men. Friends, family and strangers all benefited from his deep belief in sharing whatever he had or could obtain. Whether it was time, talent or treasure, he shared and usually gave more than he kept for himself. He shared love of knowledge with his daughters. For workmen, he gave jobs when he could, a place to rest if not. He gave them turkeys at Thanksgiving and hams at Christmas; even if none had worked for him for years. He would do the same for close friends if times were hard; always a bed, perhaps some money in their pocket. A few took advantage, but he never held a grudge; it was too much misplaced energy. He gave time and effort to help immigrants with a deep passion to be Americans! He helped a woman who had escaped communist Poland, a TCU student from Beijing, a caregiver from Mexico, a grandchild with a passion for medicine and a Turk who aided JT in Istanbul when he discovered he was lost. That man sat at JT's side telling stories the day before JT passed away. He gave over 25 years of service to the Lighthouse for the Blind in Fort Worth and twice as many years to St. Stephens Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth. He excelled at raising funds for causes that roused his passion - such as the Lighthouse and both Bell Tower and organ at St. Stephens. Many others benefited from his soft heart, such as neglected animals and veterans. JT supported many charities in his hometown of Fort Worth and in Dallas, the town of his wife, Carolyn Lee (nee Coe) Cole Rogers. He attended Paschal High School in Fort Worth and received a Bachelor of Engineering degree in four years from the University of Texas in Austin, where he was a Phi Kappa Psi. In Fort Worth, he served as president of the FTW University of Texas Exes, was a member or Steeplechase, Rivercrest Country Club and The Fort Worth Club, as well as many other organizations in both Dallas and Fort Worth. He played bridge at the highest level of competitiveness, a good game of tennis, enjoyed reading and traveling to faraway places. His vast memory, especially of classic movies and other trivia, was renowned. First working in the field of ceramics for Monarch Tile and General Electric, his interest turned to construction; first in commercial construction with Childs Construction of Fort Worth, his own residential construction company and as owner of Lone Star Steel Co. of Fort Worth. In Dallas, he formed JT Rogers Custom Homes and Palladian Properties with his wife and step-son, Chris, building in Park Cities and Preston Hollow. JT’s great-great grandfather, Emory William Rogers, founded the town of Waxahachie, TX, in 1850. His mother, Madeline Young Rogers Hickman, father James Thomas Rogers, brother Joe William Rogers, daughter Robin Margaret Rogers Peel and granddaughter Margaret Ann Peel all predeceased JT. Survivors include: wife Carolyn, daughters Emily Madeline Claunch of Ft. Worth, Courtney Katherine Cruce of Kerrville, stepson Christopher Cole, grandchildren Kelly, Kevin and Kate Claunch, Andrew and James Thomas Cruce, Avery and Davis Cole and great-grandchild, Reese Claunch. Services will be Saturday, May 12, 3:00 pm, at Sparkman-Hillcrest, 7504 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, 75225, with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, please support the Lighthouse for the Blind in Fort Worth, 912 W. Broadway, Ft. Worth, 76104.