At a very young age, he would go with his father, who was an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master and Instructor of Automobile Mechanics, to work at the garage. Those times spent with his Dad helped cement their bond and lead him to be given his lifelong nickname, Buddy.
Although he did not go on to choose this industry as a career, he continued to refine his skills from his father and brother, Charlie, who did follow in their father’s footsteps. As we continue, I would say this time was the catalyst that was set into motion the direction he would follow in his life.
Over the years, he would return to his roots to work on Papa Bill's farm where he loved to be. The memories of that time taught him the value of respect, hard work, responsibility that molded his young mind. The harvesting of the fields, the hunts with the dogs and caring for the animals, instilled in him a great appreciation of the sustenance of life.
Back in St. Augustine, he would work at several of the tourist attractions located in the heart of the oldest city in the nation. (No child labor laws then) He and his cousin, Ricky loved to fish, hunt, swim and surf. They would rise early in the morning to get the best catch, and then take them proudly home for backyard fish or squirrel fries.
He loved to ride horses on the farm and was always looking to make extra money. He went on the road around the age of 15 traveling with Thoroughbred Race horses. He started at the bottom, cleaning the stalls and hot walking the horses. He graduated to an exercise jockey on the major race circuits. It didn't pay much, but was one of his many memorable experiences throughout his life.
Jimmy joined the U.S. Navy in 1970 and did one tour of duty on the USS Norman K. Perry, stationed in New Port, Rhode Island and reenlisted in 1975 aboard the USS Meyerkord in San Diego, California and traveled the world.
He was a Vietnam Veteran, a 1st Class B.Tech and he trained in the Navy Seal Program. Being mentally and physically fit was very important to Jim. He was a runner, clocking 12 miles a day to and from the base. He and his military brothers formed a team, participating in running events in San Diego, Portland Oregon and Seattle, Washington.
Throughout his career, Jimmy received high evaluations, commendations and recommendations from his superiors, ensuring future advancement, had he reenlisted for another tour. He received his 2nd Honorable Discharge upon leaving in 1980 to pursue other interests.
After his first tour of duty, he attended Massey and Jones Business College in Jacksonville.
Jimmy met his wife, Jane in 1974. They were married a year later on July 12, 1975 at the Murray Hill United Methodist Church in Jacksonville, Florida, attended by family and friends.
Jimmy and Jane had three sons, Todd (1978), Zachary (Zach) 1982 and Michael (Mikey) 1984.
Upon their return to Jacksonville in 1980, Jimmy was employed by a local Engineering firm as a Draftsman.
In 1981, he accepted employment with a major Oil company, J. Ray McDermott, as 2nd Engineer on a Sea Barge, laying oil pipe in the Gulf of Mexico.
After submitting numerous applications, interviews and high level background checks, he was accepted into the Nuclear Power Industry in 1985. His travels took him all over the United States and Canada as a Planner, Supervisor and Instructor. His expertise in all types of Valve and Limtorque Inspections, Testing, and Repair made him highly sought after.
Over the course of his Naval career, Civilian career and personal life, Jimmy’s expertise, leadership and numerous high honors earned him the respect and friendships of many, before retiring after a 38 year span.
His lifelong thirst for learning, combined with his love for reading gave Jimmy a wealth of knowledge on many subjects. Physics, Physical Science, Geometry, Aviation, Welding and Machining are just to name a few. Because of his naval experience and desire to be on the water, Jimmy had recently begun studying for his Captain's license.
One of Jimmy’s most loved hobbies was Aviation, and he loved the camaraderie of those he met who shared the same passion. Jimmy even built and flew his very own remote control air planes.
He was full of pride with his 3 boys and was constantly involved in all of their activities. When Jimmy was able to be home, field trips, plays, special events and surprise trips to their schools for lunch were a must. The teachers always assigned Jimmy to (who he would refer to as) “the heathens” to help keep them under control.
According to Jimmy, there was always a lesson to learn. This lesson was about the power of nuclear fission and the number of households a tiny pill could supply electricity to, as he passed the capsule on an information card around the classroom as they listened in awe.
Jimmy was an incredible writer and story teller. He started writing a children's book, but found most of his joy in writing something to each son, including their wives and the grandchildren, on each of their birthdays. These letters included factual events from that year and some trivia, of course, but the core message was always about each of their lives and the rewards in the end.
With great humility, Jimmy was known to brag about his sons a time or two, and definitely would want to share about their accomplishments, since he was at least half responsible for their many talents. The boys always said their Dad was their greatest inspiration.
All of his boys were athletic and loved sports. As one of their coaches in Park Ball, Jimmy led his boys’ teams to multiple undefeated seasons and playoffs. Throughout his athletic career, his oldest son Todd was chosen as MVP numerous times in baseball, basketball and wrestling, based on his outstanding performance. He played Legion Ball, All Stars and was selected for All Conference, All Regional and All State honors. Todd graduated from high school with honors and went on to play baseball in college until an injury sidelined his career.
Zachary was an outstanding baseball player. Additionally, he excelled in many swimming and diving competitions and, notably, was the first kid in the history of Lakeshore Junior High School to take 1st place in every single swimming and diving category. Of course, Jimmy had to take credit for that as he was a great swimmer and a powerful, but graceful diver.
Growing up, Zach enjoyed participating in band. He played the trumpet and drums and received standing ovations in packed-filled auditoriums for his drum performances. You could say there was little help from his dad for this particular talent, as Jimmy’s only musical talent was the harmonica. But music touched Jimmy’s soul and since he insisted on teaching the boys to do their best no matter what, he would still sing all the songs he loved to us.
When Zachary was eighteen he found the love of his life - Golf. He was a natural. To this day, Zach is a dedicated, accomplished golfer and continues to compete in Amateur tournaments throughout the Florida circuits with much success.
Jimmy loved speed, as most men do. So it was only natural that his youngest son Mikey - at the age of 11 - began a fast and much more expensive hobby, Go Cart Racing, which became a labor of love between father and son. At the time, Jimmy didn’t know much about this sport, but he delved straight in with energy and excitement. It was no surprise that he and Mikey became very competitive in a short period of time. Jimmy was the sponsor, the manager and the mechanic, and the whole family became the pit crew.
Together, Jimmy and Mikey acquired many trophies over the years. Most notably they won First Place at the Daytona Speedway, clocking a speed of 104 mph, with 12 year Mikey behind the wheel. They continued on to win many more trophies in multiple states. Soon thereafter Mikey, his youngest son, made the cover of the distinguished publication, World Karting Association Magazine.
All those years were some of the happiest times in our family.
For all those who knew him, Jimmy was a true Patriot.
Honor to God, Family and Country ran through his veins. No he wasn't a fanatic, but he held strong to the values that founded and made this country great!
He was a “Right to Bear Arms” Gun enthusiast, with safety always in mind, and taught his sons how to shoot with precision and with great respect.
For good or bad, Jimmy would speak his mind. He never met a stranger and was a like a magnet to everyone he came in contact with. His wit and humor left a lasting impression and his laughter was contagious. Sometimes his laughing would bring tears to his eyes and leave him breathless; only to get it back and start laughing again. And be careful, his jokes and storytelling, sometimes colorful, would cause you to lose control and bring you to your knees and sometimes even the floor. Yes, you know who you are.
Although he was fearless and would fight to the end to protect his family and beliefs, his selflessness and compassion far exceeded any man's faults. He loved children and old people. He stood for what was right. He was always first out the door for anyone's plight. He was a good neighbor and friend and gave to those in need. He was a Dad to others and a shoulder to lean on.
Many people told him he was the strongest man they ever met and to us he was our Treasure.
His legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren and those yet to come.
He will never be forgotten.
He lived hard, he worked hard, he laughed hard and he loved us.
Jimmy LIVED!
James is predeceased by his Father, William Plese Rogers and his Mother, Jewel Corrine Kimsey.
Father-In Law, Robert Graham Gillespie and Mother-In Law, Elizabeth Lawson Norris Gillespie.
Brother-In Laws, Richard Rogers Gillespie, Finley Everett Eubanks, Jr., Gary Earl Kelly and Sister-In Law, Mary Jane Rogers.
He is survived by his Wife of 43 years, Jane Lawson Gillespie Rogers, his sons, Todd Elliot Rogers
(wife Shavon Marie), Zachary Hart Rogers (Caroline Page Marchman) and Michael Chad Rogers (wife Amber Nicole).
Grandchildren, Jayden Michael Rogers and Leland James Rogers, Angel Roebuck, Riley Dameron and Brooklyn Marie Rogers.
Siblings: Charlie Mathew (Mac) Rogers, Patricia Jean Tiner (husband Johnny) and Yolanda (Peanut) Hamby ( husband Bill).
Sisters-in Law, Barbara Ann Gillespie Eubanks (Vincent Bagnall), Elizabeth Norris Gillespie Kelly (Peppy) and Brother-in Law, Robert Graham Gillespie, Jr. (Bobby),
Nieces and Nephews: Charlie (Chuck) Mathew Rogers, Jr. (Benjamin Jones), Rachael Annette Rogers, (Karen Wallace), Jay Tiner (wife Monya), James (Jimmy) Tiner, Anthony Wade Tiner (wife Candy), Chance Andrew Tiner (wife Courtney), Brent Hamby, Christie Denise Hamby, Lawson Dean Kelly (wife Candice), Lindsay Gillespie Moore (husband Chris) and many more extended friends and family members.
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