James Athol Rodgers

James A “Scotty” Rodgers, preciously devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, “Poppy”, “Scotty”, friend to all, passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 20, 2023. Scotty was known for his incredible kindness, deep and abiding faith, unparalleled integrity, genuine concern for others, his quick wit and an unfailingly positive attitude. His most frequently used phrase was, “I am grateful and blessed” and he meant it. Scotty was born in Thomasville, North Carolina to Addie Marie Hiatt and Aaron Luther Rodgers, and was the fourth of six children. He attended North Carolina State and graduated with an ROTC commission and was called into active duty in the USAF in December of 1952. He was stationed at Kelly Field in San Antonio and served in Korea in the 1700th Air Traffic Squadron and the 1700th Air Transport Group where he was awarded several honors for his exceptionally meritorious service. His USAF friendships and the warm weather lured him to Dallas and a new job with Collins Radio. Two years later he started a stellar 31-year career at Texas Instruments, serving ultimately as Comptroller in R&D. He was privileged to work alongside Jack Kilby, co-inventor of the integrated circuit, at an innovative period in history working with early mass production of integrated circuits. After retiring from TI, Scotty was recruited to work at Sematech Consortium in Austin where he worked with the other co-inventor of the integrated circuit, Robert Noyce. He met Carolyn Lightfoot in 1955 on a blind date when he was set up for a party at the famous 3201 Turtle Creek house where he lived with 5 other fun loving Dallas bachelors. The two fell in love despite a mutually terrible first date and they married in 1957. As they settled in Highland Park, they became involved in their community and church and poured their lives and faith into their three daughters and many extended family members. Scotty loved gardening and being his girls’ biggest firm, but faithful cheerleader. Scotty was honored to serve as an usher and on various committees at Highland Park Presbyterian Church, where he was a member for 51 years. He is predeceased by Carolyn, his beloved wife of 45 years; Shannan Dankworth, his precious daughter; and Mary Ellen Hanna, his treasured sweetheart and companion of 12 years. Scotty is survived by sister Barbara Myers (David); daughter Camie Drinkwater (Mike), daughter Meredith Galloway (Andy), son-in-law Charlie Dankworth; grandchildren, Caroline Waddles (Tyler), Michael Drinkwater (Lauren), John Drinkwater (Haley), Whitney Dankworth, Jackson Galloway, Luke Galloway; great granddaughters, Sadie and Sutton Drinkwater, and so many cherished nieces and nephews. We are deeply grateful (and so was Dad) for the incredible care and compassion he received from the dedicated staff at The Tradition Lovers Lane, Jovial Angels at Home Care, and Allstar Hospice. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, May 5 at Highland Park Presbyterian Church, with a reception to follow at the church. The service can also be live streamed at https://hppres.org/memorial-live-stream/. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Scotty’s memory to Highland Park Presbyterian Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Rodgers family.