of Conway, AR
September 26, 1953 - January 17, 2018
James ''Jimmy'' David Rodgers, 64, of Vilonia, passed away Wednesday, January 17, 2018. Jimmy was born September 26, 1953, in Conway, Arkansas, a son of Verdie Pauline Nanny Rodgers and Loyas ''Moon'' Ray Rodgers, both deceased.
Jimmy is survived by his four children, Jennifer Rodgers Cox of Bald Knob, Arkansas (David), Patrice Dawn Higgins of Vilonia, Arkansas, Brandon Scott Rodgers of West Monroe, Louisiana (Candi), and Tiffany Gail Rodgers of Vilonia, Arkansas.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his brother Charles ''Tony'' Ray Rodgers, sister Gela Rodgers Torres, and niece Michelle Ann Torres.
Jimmy is also the grandfather to 8 wonderful grandchildren, Austin David Cox, Alyssa Rae Cox, Addison Grace Cox, Ayden Joy Higgins, Maddie Faith Higgins, Jaycee Hope Higgins, Lyvie Kate Rodgers, and Anahit Sukiasyan.
He also leaves behind many loved aunts, cousins, nieces, a nephew, and friends.
Jimmy made the decision as a young man to follow Jesus and made every effort to be kind, hospitable, and gracious to the people of the community of Vilonia and beyond. He retired from Nabisco Foods in 1997 after working as a driver for 23 years.
Jimmy was a 1972 graduate of Vilonia High School. He was known as the radio voice of the Vilonia Eagles football and basketball teams for over 25 years. He loved calling Eagle victories and attended hundreds of Eagle athletic events over the years. An avid sports fan, he often said that a Vilonia Eagle victory, an Arkansas Razorback victory, and a Dallas Cowboy victory made for a great weekend. He also was the biggest New York Yankees fan in the state of Arkansas and spent many summers travelling across the country to root on the Bronx Bombers.
Funeral service will be 12:00 pm, Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at First Baptist Church in Vilonia with visitation one hour prior, interment to follow at Vilonia Cemetery in Vilonia.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ''Tony and Jimmy Rodgers Memorial Scholarship Fund'' at all Centennial Bank locations.
My condolences to the family. Jimmy and I worked together decades ago for the old KTOD in Conway. I saw him on occasion over the years since and it was always great to catch up and laugh about old stories from those days. He was a great ambassador for the Eagles and I know he will be missed greatly.
I will miss Jimmy and talking baseball. He was no doubt the biggest Yankee fan in Arkansas. We went to Chicago a few years ago to see the Yankees play the Cubs and had a great time. Will miss you Jimmy.
Jimmy will be missed! Such a nice guy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
I am so sorry to see this. I met Jimmy @ Conway Regional Fitness in the pool several years ago and we have been friends ever since. He will truly be missed. I am still in shock from seeing that he has passed.
Jimmy was a very kind and sweet person. I am so very sorry for your loss. He will be remembered by many and missed by more.
Many prayers for the family.
We have fond memories of Jimmy coaching our daughter Ashley's, softball team. He was a kind man and good friend. Prayers for comfort and peace in your hearts.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Jimmy was such a great man. My prayers are with you.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends. While we only spoke a few times we enjoyed talking and laughing with him. He will always be remembered. God Bless you Jimmy!
Prayers for all the Family!
Such a wonderful human being and dearly beloved cousin. I'll miss you Jmmy.
So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the words spoken at Revelation 21:3,4
(3) "With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. (4)
And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away".
We loved Jimmy so much and are going to miss him so much. He can once again be with his mom, dad and his brother and sister.Rest in peace cousin Jimmy.