Jerrold "Jerry" James Rogers

Jerry was born in Chicago on January 15, 1932, to James and Catherine Rogers. He had a younger sister named Alice. Jerry attended elementary school, high school and completed two years of community college in Chicago. He attended a semester of music college as well.

Jerry enlisted in the Air Force in 1952. Upon completing boot camp, he was sent to study Russian language in Syracuse, New York. After a year of language training, he was stationed at St. Lawrence Island in Alaska. His job at this time was to listen in and interpret Russian aircraft radio transmissions. Although he didn’t use the Russian language much after military service, he was always interested in trying to converse with people who spoke Russian. His military service concluded with work at the National Security Agency in Washington DC.

After military service, he enrolled at the University of Illinois, where he earned his first Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Physics. Later, he earned two Master’s degrees and a second Bachelor’s degree. Much of his career focused on electronic engineering, physics and design. He held various engineering positions over the years in Illinois, Arizona, California, and finally at Tektronix in Beaverton. During his Tektronix years, his projects earned seven US Patents.

While in Los Angeles, Jerry learned to fly small aircraft, and had interesting stories to tell about his flying experiences. For many years, he studied nutrition and health, reading up on the best vitamins and supplements. His vitamin closet was legendary. He loved music, and participated as a tenor in church choirs. After retirement, he taught classes on Science and the Bible, and on Nutrition. He wrote several books. An early adopter and enthusiast of the personal computer, he was influential in getting Erik and Kendall started in their Computer Science careers.

Although he did not have a religious upbringing, he was encouraged by an Air Force buddy to read the Gospel of John in the Bible. He became a believer in Christ at that time, and continued to believe the rest of his life.

Jerry passed away at home in Vancouver on March 16, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister. Jerry’s surviving family includes wife Sandra; daughter Audrey Fisher (husband Camille Goudeseune) of Illinois; sons Erik Rogers (wife Rhonda Chick) and Mark Rogers (wife Kristen Fierros) of Portland; and son Kendall Rogers (wife Amanda Bowen) of Vancouver.

Jerry’s life was a life well lived, and we will always be thankful for him.

A graveside service for Jerrold will be held Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Sunset Hills Memorial Park, 6801 SW Sunset Hwy, Portland, OR 97225.

A memorial service will occur Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 12:30 PM at Finley-Sunset Hills Mortuary, 6801 SW Sunset Hwy, Portland, OR 97225.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.finleysunsethills.com for the Rogers family.