Jim Rogers passed away the evening of June 7, 2018, very peacefully at his home with wife Pat at his side. He was born in Eunice, New Mexico, to James W. and Imogene (Kemp) Rogers.
He attended many schools as his father worked in the oil fields. He graduated from Union High School in Anderson, California, in 1955. He married his high school sweetheart, Ramona DeChain, and they had three children, Trudi, Rodney and Tracey. They later divorced.
He then moved to Thermopolis and later to Casper, where he met Patsy Jennings. They were married in 1967, and he became stepfather to her two daughters, Linda and Diane. Together they had Kathy.
Jim worked in the oilfield for Dolco Geological Engineering (Joe Dolence) and moved to Lyman in 1971. Pat and the daughters followed in 1973. After the oilfield made a downturn, he did various jobs, lastly for the Wyoming State Hospital as a locksmith, and he was there for nearly 20 years before retiring in 2006.
He was a member of the First Christian Church in Casper, the U.S. Naval Reserves in California and the Lyman Lions Club. Jim loved working in his workshop. He made cars and trucks, which he mostly gave away. If a friend came over with a child or one wandered into his shop to see what he was doing, they left with a small car.
He is survived by his wife, Pat; six children, Trudy Learnahan, Rodney (Stace) Rogers, Tracey (Virgil) Steffensen, Linda Jennings, Diane Cox and Kathy (Chris) Herold; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Billy (Lois); sister, Margaret (Earl) Tackett; son-in-law, Scott Learnahan; and Harvey Ferguson, his friend and partner in crime. When one of these friends could not think of something fun to do, the other one would. They learned to fly together and loved being up in the air. Pat and Lorraine would just say, “OMG, what now?” and believe they are both up there now having a whee of a time.
There will be a graveside memorial on June 15, at the Ft. Bridger Cemetery, fourth row, at 10:30 a.m., officiated by friend Ike Arnell. A luncheon will follow at the home of Pat Rogers, 22 Bridger Lane, Ft. Bridger. All friends and family are invited.
