Property Appraiser
Winter Haven – James Lindell Roden, Sr. age 92, passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburndale. James was born in Crossville, AL on December 24, 1926 the son of Orion Lindell Roden and Velma Jones Roden. His father died when he was 10 and his mother and stepfather, Carl Clayton, moved to Winter Haven in 1935.
James graduated from Winter Haven High School where he lettered in four varsity sports and excelled as a running back for the football team. After graduating he joined the U. S. Army in 1945 and spent a year in Germany with the occupation troops. After he was discharged and returned to Winter Haven he met the love of his life Thelma Mae Arnold. They were married in 1950 and recently celebrated their 68th anniversary.
James attended both the University of Florida and Florida Southern College. In 1952 he started working with the Polk County Property Appraisers Office. In 1963 he was appointed by the Governor to fill the office of Property Appraiser (called Tax Assessor at the time) and subsequently was elected in 1964. He would be re-elected six more times before retiring as Property Appraiser in 1990.
James was a faithful member of Southside Baptist Church for over 65 years where he served as Usher and former Church Clerk. He belonged to organizations such as: the Bartow Lions Club, Florida Appraiser’s Association, International Association of Certified Property Appraisers, The Blue Belt Commission and Legislative Commission of Property Appraisers.
In addition to his parents James was preceded in death by his wife Thelma Mae Roden. Today they are reunited in Heaven. He is survived by his sons, Jim Roden, Jr. (Edie), John Roden; daughter, Connie Taft (Rhett); seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 5 pm to 7 pm on Monday, January 14, 2019 at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home, Winter Haven. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on January 15, 2019 at Southside Baptist Church, Winter Haven
Should friends desire, donations in James’ honor may be made to Southside Baptist Church or Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburndale
