Coach Howard Adams and our team played the season with no defeats and we allowed no teams to score any points against us. James played at the right guard position #34.

Even the pandemic couldn't keep old friends apart! Where there was a ZOOM, there was a way! James, Eva, and Andy.

Sometime in the early 80's. College friends connect in Lansing. Andy, Eva, and James.

Teri, I only learned of James' death today. I am so very sorry for your loss, knowing how much you loved James.  I will  be praying for you and Wesley both, for peace and comfort. I miss seeing you, and always remember you fondly. God bless and keep you always.

Very nice person who I knew from the YMCA who always asked why my brother a Big UM fan would only give him a couple of points when they played MSU.

James was the love of my life. I miss him dearly every day. He has so many friends who loved him and shared wonderful funny stories.  Thank you for sharing with our family.

I would like to send my most sincere condolences to the entire family of JAR and I give my prayers of strength and healing and love to the family as well. I know my early childhood days growing up alongside JAR was a blessing to all of us kids. There are so many ways to describe my childhood relationship with JAR and I would describe it as ”walking in rhythm” we were special group of kids and I reflect the times we joined the BSA and YMCA martial arts and job interviews after graduation together. James did swim as fast as lightning as team swimmer because I saw him do it at East Jr. High school. Thank the Lord for the opportunity to experience and know a man who is Champion to all of us. God bless you James and thank you

My condolences to the Rodgers family.  James and I go way back into our high school days at jhs in the band we use to go to Detroit to watch all the Kung fu movies.  James will be truly missed rest in peace my brother until we meet again my friend. 

Curtis Shavers Gordon

I am so saddened to hear of James passing.  He was such a nice person!  I knew James from Jackson High School .  We sat next to each other in home room for three years.  We  had many conversations and laughs.  He was the best at leading the band! He will be missed!  My condolences to his lovely family!
Cyndie Schaff Gorton

Posted by Josh Knaup on behalf of Ann Knaup Fretheim:

My memories of James are 50 years and more old, but they are a dear part of my growing up years. We were classmates, friends and neighbors. Their home was a “stand out” bit of beauty in our mostly drab neighborhood. And, I remember the star quality James brought to the drum major role in high school. I feel a personal sense of loss as an integral part of my precious childhood passes on. I can only imagine how those of you, his nearest and dearest, feel. May God comfort you in your loss. This is a hard thing to go through. Take your time. 

-Ann Knaup Fretheim

I’m so saddened to hear about James’s passing ,got to know James as we worked together at Holland and we both enjoyed riding motorcycles. I know the world lost a great man when you passed and will miss your infectious laugh ,my prayers are with your family and friends during this difficult time. RIP my brother. 

The world needs more people like James he will be truly missed sending prayers to the family. 

The world needs more people like James he will be truly missed praying for the family. 

Sending my love, thoughts and prayers to James’s family.  Remember that your loss is shared by friends who care.
I’ll miss my childhood to adulthood friend gone, but not forgotten.

This picture says it all about James. He showed up in perfect form with his hand on his heart. Life well lived, my friend.  Now it is time to rest in peace. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.   James faithfully checked in on Dennis the last few years.  I listened to them laugh and share stories from their infamous youth.
I shared this with Dennis today and although he cannot speak, the tear down his cheek said a thousand words. 
Elaine and Dennis Poole 

Oh how sad I am to hear of your loved ones passing! I worked with James at jackson county ISD…… we shared so many laughs and life experiences ….. it just broke my heart to hear this….. Please know I am sending you all much sympathy and love and pray for strength for you all during this time of grief… 




I also practiced Tae Kwon Do with James many many years ago.
I remember well, and thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from,  his humor and easy going spirit.. and especially that heart felt ever present smile. 


No light, no energy, no love is ever lost from the Universe 
(M. Baldwin)

My heart goes out to you Teri I feel your pain , Just trust in our father 
  God who will keep you now you are writing new chapter in your life. James was a wonderful husband, friend we will miss his beautiful s
mile and the sound of his laughter . Love you Teri, Anne Harrell

We lost James and his smile but not the lessons he taught us about life 

Ed Rugh 

James will be remembered for his gentle soul and  ready smile by those of us that came to know him during our trips to Michigan for taekwondo events and testings over the years.  As a young black belt growing into my own niche in the world of taekwondo I always looked forward to seeing James (Master Rodgers) and talking to him about his practice and his life.  He was always ready to share and provide guidance, a story from his own training, and a smile.

Please accept my condolences and best wishes during this time, and the peace that comes with the knowledge that James will always be remembered fondly by those of us that knew him.

Much respect and a deep bow…🙏

Our sincere condolences, Ronald & Deborah Allison  4th Dan

Prayer and condolences i share your pain , may God bless u and keep the memories alive, I love u Jeffery,, friends for life,
Proverbs 3:5-6

Condolences to the Rodgers family. James was truly a genuine person who always showed compassion for the art of Tae Kwon Do and not only for his students, even the students of other Master Instructors. It was a great honor and pleasure knowing him. Rest in heaven 🙏   Wendy (May) Maxwell 

I am extremely saddened to hear of his passing James was a joy to be around always had a smile or something funny to  joke on me  about. No matter what I said he’d say you just drive the bus and be on time. I enjoyed working with him , he will truly be missed by this group of ladies at Jackson co. ISD bus  drivers, Pat P .Kim k, Linda Y. Janice N.  We truly enjoyed his kind spirit  and funny wit.My prayers go out to his entire family.

James had a great heart. I could tell he loved people period.  My husband johnny and i are so happy we got to know him . we have had great times with him and teri. We love them deatly. 

I have known James all of his life. He is everything they said he is, and more!!!  He will truly be missed by many. Rest in Paradise, James until we meet again on the other side! Love you dearly. ❤️

Always brought positive energy to any room or situation. Peace be with you. 

So sorry to hear about Jimmy's passing. Worked with him for seventeen years. Such a special man and friend. Rest in peace brother 🙏  Bill Lynch 

It was pleasure to know Jimmy as I worked with him at USF Holland.
Our condolences to the family. May the LORD give you peace at this time.

JAMES had swag. He had a commanding presence as the drum major of the JHS Marching Band shown here performing  at U of M Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (rear, 25 yd. line) I was a twirler so I got to be around JAMES a lot during rehearsal breaks. He was such a cool guy. He heard Earth, Wind and Fire in his head way before ear phones were even invented. I can still hear the sound of his laugh 50+ years later. I loved being in his presence. He was one of my very favorite people in high school. 

My sincere condolences to the family.  James was more to me than a fellow Taekwondo Practitioner but I have always considered him as one of my closest friends and Brother. Rest In Peace My Friend & Brother. 

Grandmaster Dennis Lewis, 
President Of Mid-South 
Taekwondo Association 






Teri and family.  So sorry to hear about your loss.  JR was a great guy.  Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.  May GOD give you peace and comfort during this difficult time.  RIH JR.  Tom & Brenda Bell, Dannie Snyder.

My Condolences to the Family of 
Mr. James Rodgers.
James is another great man that everyone Loved who knew him.
He was always Positive and always Genuine.
May he Rest in Peace. 

I was one year behind James in high school. A memory I have of James is when he was drum major of our marching band. I'm sure others in the band can recall the rhythmic high stepping swagger that he had while marching. Add the big smile and his kindness to all and that creates a great memory. Rest in peace James.

Thank you James for the lasting memories and impact you made in the lives of so many students at the Central Studio at the Jackson YMCA. You will be missed.

JGM Rodgers was one of, if not the most pivotal man in my taekwondo journey.  He mentored me as I became Tournament Director for World Class Tae Kwon Do.  He led with such ease and grace knowing when to let me fly on my own while always being there as a support.  He was the very best leader and shall be greatly missed.  Fly high, JGM Rodgers!!

OBITUARY

James "JR" Arthur Rodgers

June 18, 1954 – August 30, 2023

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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