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<p><em>James Donald Rodgers Jr.</em> was born on March 11, 1956 to James and Hazel Rodgers in Canton, OH. He attended Canton South High School and graduated as its valedictorian in 1974. Shortly thereafter, he joined West Point’s “Proud and Great” Class of 1978, where, like the ripples of a pebble splashing in a pond, his positive impact on life was ultimately felt by so many, even as far away as Japan and Korea.</p>
<p>Jim’s classmates in I-3 and F-4 were better off with him around. He gave them many memories, fun times and serious conversations when needed. He enriched their lives and the experiences they all shared as they strived to “cooperate and graduate.” Jim, aka “Rodjo,” was kind, smart and possessed a quick and sharp wit. Being in his presence was invigorating. He willingly helped those who needed assistance. His intellectual confidence allowed him never to appear stressed, even before math and engineering WPRs. Rodjo was also a formidable foe on the basketball court. Despite all these outstanding leadership actions, athletic prowess, and characteristics of his that proved his excellence in academics, he clearly made sure to all who knew him that he had plenty of room for fun-loving activities. Sometimes his fun-loving side got the better of him with the Academy Disciplinary Board, and in at least two instances—the “clothing rack” and “CQ duct tape” episodes (as related by Mike Wickman)—he bore the brunt of the discipline alone, despite being the target of the prank, not the instigator. But far more frequently, Rodjo’s fun-loving side brought joy and laughter to the lives of all he touched and helped his classmates get through school, the military, and life. He had fun no matter what he was doing. His serious and “life lessons” side was just as important. Rodjo encouraged you to always ask questions to determine how to gauge the magnitude of an issue and how to react with the appropriate level of “passion and/or emotion.”</p>
<p>Throughout the shortened graduation leave for 1978, Jim went to the wedding of Fred and Annie Orr in Bay City, MI, where he was best man. And why not? His sense of humor and fun personality were second to none. According to Fred: “…his outgoing gregarious personality was infectious. He lit up the room with his smile and impending jokes. He made everyone around him a better person by his ‘way of being,’ making him an ideal best man!” Rodjo also managed to attend the wedding of Bob and Cheri Sprague in Cincinnati, OH before reporting for duty at his first assignment.</p>
<p>That first assignment came quickly as Rodjo started his “real” Army life. Second Lieutenant Rodgers was commissioned in the Adjutant General Corps. From 1978 to 1982, while on his first assignment at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, he attended the AG basic and career courses at Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN. During that time, he also earned a master’s degree in management from Webster College, once again showing how he could handle academic challenges. While stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Jim married Barbara, and they had two children: Jamie Marie and James Donald Jr. With increased time in service, now Captain Rodgers was ready for increased responsibilities, and he got that when he was sent to Japan from 1983 to 1986. While there, Rodjo continued to excel and grow as an Army officer, meeting and exceeding expectations, as evidenced by his earning the Joint Service Commendation Medal while serving in DCA Japan. Following that successful assignment, he was sent to Korea to work in the 8th PERSCOM from 1986 to 1987. During his time in the Far East, Rodjo contracted an illness that he fought for many years. In 1987 he returned to CONUS and was assigned to the OCSA DA. He worked there until he was medically retired (a direct result of his illness) as a major and earned a final award, the Meritorious Service Medal.</p>
<p>After his service retirement, Jim returned to Ohio and became a public works engineer in several counties and cities. During that time, he renewed and created new friendships. Just like the way his classmates took to him, those in Ohio also enjoyed his love of life. On May 24, 2003, Jim married Neva and bought a house in Painesville, OH to settle down. They were proud owners of two German shepherds and spent a lot of time landscaping their yard with the help of their dear friends. Jim retired from his job in 2008. Comments from that time of his life mirror those from his military life and show that Jim was consistent in how he lived his life. Following a lengthy illness, he died peacefully at home on April 14, 2010. </p>
<p>Wherever he went, Jim Rodgers made a deep and lasting impact on those who knew him, from high school classmates to his West Point brothers, sisters, and faculty, and to those who knew him after he left military service. He had an infectious smile that put others immediately at ease and always raised the mood of the room. </p>
<p>In the words of our classmates, we find an appropriate summary of Rodjo:</p>
<p>“Jim Rodgers was a very good friend, ready to be serious but more ready to raise our spirits. He made us enjoy a situation that wasn’t very enjoyable and never stopped being a kid.”</p>
<p>“Rodjo gave us his time, treasure and talents, he was a great classmate and friend, and it was an honor to know him.”</p>
<p>May he rest in peace.</p>
<p><em>— Patrick J. O’Connor, Neva Rodgers and classmates</em></p>
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