- Date Of Birth: November 29, 1938
- Date Of Death: February 5, 2022
- State: Indiana
James Carr Rodgers, 83, of New Carlisle, IN, passed away at 7:32 a.m. Saturday, February 5, 2022 in his home, surrounded by his loving family.
James was born in South Bend, IN on November 29, 1938. He was the only son of the late Carr and Mildred (Swank) Rodgers.
Jim graduated in 1956 from New Carlisle High School. He played basketball and ran track. Jim served in the U.S. Army reserves for eight years from 1956-1964.
On June 15, 1958, he married Toby Smith at the Community Christian Church in New Carlisle, IN. They were high school sweethearts and resided at the same residence their entire married life of 63 years. They had two children, Julie R. Rodgers and a son, Todd James Rodgers (deceased).
James is survived by his loving wife, Toby A. Rodgers of New Carlisle, IN; daughter, Julie R. Rodgers; his sister, Bonnie (James) Kovatch of South Bend, IN; sister-in-law, Rana Snider of Virginia; and a brother-in-law, Gary Smith of Churubsco, IN.
Jim was a retired farmer after 60 plus years. He was a Black Angus Cattle Breeder and exhibited cattle across the country for several years. He was also a former School Bus Driver for New Prairie United School Corporation for 40 years.
Jim was involved with 4-H since he was 10 years old. He served as a leader, superintendent of livestock projects, and was a 4-H fair director for 30 years. He was voted Friend of 4-H in 1989. Jim and a fellow classmate were the originators of the New Carlisle Little League in 1969-1970. He served 30 plus years on the Olive Township Advisory Board and was a precinct committeeman for several years. Jim was the Grand Marshall for the 2001 Annual Historical Days Parade in New Carlisle.
He enjoyed raising and selling (Toby’s sweet corn) the past 20 years. Jim was a lifelong “diehard” Chicago Cubs Fan and enjoyed traveling to Mesa, AZ with his wife and attending Spring Training games during the Winter. He enjoyed working and gardening and always kept busy.
