Our thoughts are with Brenda Gunn Rogers and family

Rogers, James William "Jim"

Professor Of Engineering At UTC For 13 Years

Tuesday, February 07, 2012




Jim Rogers


James William "Jim" Rogers, 83, died peacefully at his home on Signal Mountain Monday afternoon.

Jim was born January 25, 1929 outside of Pikeville, Tn., and grew up in Knoxville before moving to Chattanooga where he attended Central High School and the University of Chattanooga. Jim was proud to be an Eagle Scout. He became a pilot at age 15 and later served our country in the Air Force and attained the rank of First Lieutenant.

Jim was employed as a professional engineer at Combustion Engineering until his retirement in 1984. Since then he had served the community as an adjunct professor of Engineering at UTC for 13 years, as a member of the UTC Alumni Council, and on the advisory board of the Retired Senior and Volunteer Program.

He spent the last 12 years of his life collecting food donations and delivering them to local missions and charities. For this service, Jim received the Jefferson Award for Public Service, Volunteer of the Year Award by Teen Challenge and the Chambliss Children's Home. He was also awarded the Governor's Volunteer Star Award. He was a longtime volunteer at the Chattanooga Ronald McDonald House.

Jim was a member of the First Centenary United Methodist Church. Jim enjoyed time with his family, woodworking, antiquing and spending time in the mountains.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Roberson Rogers and Nelle Patton Rogers, sister, Wilma Kneeland, and first wife, Mary Elizabeth Freudenberg Rogers.

He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Brenda Gunn Rogers. He is also survived by his three sons: James W. Rogers Jr. and his wife, Bette; Bruce E. Rogers and his wife, Susan; Stephen A. Rogers, all of Chattanooga; and his two step-children Henry Bell and his wife, Bobbie; and Barbara King and her husband, David. He was blessed with six grandchildren, Elizabeth Rogers Moyer and her husband, Darren, Chris Rogers, Lauren Rogers, Lindsey Rogers, Megan King, and Allison King; and a great-grandson, Alexander Moyer.

The family will greet friends at First Centenary United Methodist Church on McCallie Avenue on Thursday, February 9, from 5-7 p.m. in the Oak Street Center.

After a private graveside service, the family will celebrate Jim's life with friends and family in the main sanctuary of First Centenary on Friday, February 10, at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that a donation be made in his name to Hospice of Chattanooga or a charity of your choice.

A special thanks to Carol and Rachel and all the caregivers who helped Jim and our family.

Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist, North Chapel, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.