James T. Rodgers
James T. Rodgers of Flourtown, PA (age 70) passed away on October 19, 2021.
Jim was originally from Northeast Philadelphia and attended Father Judge High School where he graduated in 1969 and immediately entered Local #5 International Union of Elevator Constructors. Jim came from a long line of elevator union members from his grandfather and father to his uncle and brothers. The tradition continued as his own son Brian and his nephews followed suit. His profession started with installing elevators in high rise hotels in Wildwood Crest. From there he traveled throughout Philadelphia to John Wanamaker stores maintaining elevators and escalators. With the closing of Wanamaker, he and his beloved paper maps took to the roads of Montgomery County where he traveled performing routine maintenance at many locations. While working long hours, he also taught in the union apprenticeship program. He loved his role of teacher and mentor and this role continued after his retirement in December 2017.
Though work was always important to him, his family came first. Jim met his perfect match, Debbie, at a New Year’s Eve party in 1971. They were married in September 1973 and daughter Karyn was born in 1975 with son Brian following in 1977. Their life in Northeast Philadelphia was full of family and community. He was devoted to volunteering and coaching for St Dominic CYO and Penn Academy Athletic Association. He was definitely ahead of his time with his thoughts about kids’ sports. He was passionate about every child having the opportunity to participate in team sports. This passion led him to be a part of organizing the Northeast Peanut League which allowed kids, of any ability, to participate in team sports.
Besides being a great husband and father, his role of “POP” was for sure his favorite. His love for his 6 grandchildren was limitless. He was always ready with candy in hand and dollar bills and change for their pockets, to do whatever they wanted to do. He coordinated schedules to bounce from a baseball game to a dance recital and back to another baseball game each weekend. He knew when every grandkid’s important events were and made sure he was front and center for each one. He was the math tutor when needed, always there to read them a book or their golf instructor which we will certainly miss the most!
Jim passed away after a 7-month battle with cancer. He is survived by his best friend Debra Rodgers (Mazzoni), his daughter Karyn Buchanan (Doug), his son Brian Rodgers (Jennifer), brothers Arthur Rodgers (Irene) and Thomas Rodgers (Mariane), sister Catherine Rodgers, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his 6 grandchildren, Sarah, Joseph, Luke, Logan, Charlotte and Kyle.
Relatives and friends are invited to Jim’s vistation Wednesday 11/17, 9 to 11am, Craft Funeral Home of Erdenheim, 814 Bethlehem Pike. All whom are attending are asked to please wear a face mask. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers contributions in Jim’s name may be made to Abington Jefferson Hospice, Att. Foundation Office, 1200 Old York Rd., Abington, PA 19001.
Debbie, Karyn, Doug and family:
We are so very sorry to hear of your family’s tremendous loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
What a great (Judge) guy.
XO,
Melanie & Rich Stampone
Our hearts are so heavy for all of you. Much love to you all as we mourn the loss of Jim/Pop!
Your father was a great and caring man. I remember when Sarah, Luke, and Logan were all young and attending Bright Horizons. Pop showed up for every event.
Wishing you comfort in knowing that he is at peace snd in the memories that you shared.
Love, Andrea, Michael, Xander, and Aria Morsby
Dear Mrs Rodgers, Karyn, and Brian,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you all at this time.
Sincerely, Nicole McPeake (Teklinsky)
Family of Jim Rodgers
Condolences ion the passing of Jim.
I had the privilege of knowing Jim as a Local 5 member and instructor.
Always enjoyed talking with Jim and getting together for breakfast
with Joe Whalen, Art Rodgers and other local 5 members.
Jim May you Rest In Peace.
Debbie, Karyn, Brian and Family,
We cannot begin to express the sadness we feel with Jimmy’s passing.
We remember him as a wonderful husband, an involved father and Pop.
More importantly, we remember him as a wonderful son-in-law. The way he took care of Dominic and Tookie was a joy to watch. Cherish the wonderful memories you have. They will get you through the tough times.
Love,
Dennis and Cathy
Dear Debbie, Karyn, Brian and family,
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your husband and father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Please know that if we can be of any help or support to let us know.
May Jim be at peace in Jesus Christ.
God bless you!
Deacon Mace and Carol
Debbie, and family, I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. A life with wonderful memories, but a life ended too soon. God bless you all. I’ll keep you in my prayers.
Sorry for your loss!
Jim was a great guy who I still today tell stories about working with him in the past.
Gene Kissinger
Debbi and the entire Rodgers family, I was sorry to hear of the passing of my cousin. I will always remember our visits to Uncle Art’s home to visit our cousins. Glad to read our family kept Local 5 in business., it sure wasn’t because of Flip’s boys! Lynn and I will keep you all in our prayers, you have lost a truly good man.
Art, Tommy and Cathy our thoughts are with you as well.
With much love,
Larry
Our community has lost a special person with Jim’s passing. Over the recent years at Flourtown Country club, I have shared many a pleasant round of golf with this gentle man. He was always congenial and unflappable. He told great stories of his family, his work, and his love of sports. I’ll miss seeing him turn the corner approaching the first tee. He was always such good company. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Debbi, Karyn, Brian, Art, Tom & Cathy, so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing and his protracted fight with cancer. He is gone way too soon and I’m sure he will be missed by all who loved him.
Please know all of you are in our prayers and that the love of Jesus will bless and be with you.
Love to all, Phil & Arlene