James Tate Rogers

James Tate Rogers, 88, passed away on Sunday, October 6th at The Life Care Center of Red Bank.

James, known as Jim by many, was a native of Whitwell, a member of the Whitwell Class of 1951 and was always a very proud citizen of his community.

After high school, James enlisted in the US Air Force and served as a Staff Sargent in the Security Service Command group during the Korean War.  After his 4 years of active duty, he served an additional 4 years of inactive duty in the Air Force Reserve.  James retired from Signal Mountain Cement Plant, was proud of the plant and enjoyed all his co-workers and friends.

James loved baseball. He played with the Reels Cove amateur Baseball Club in the early 50's, was one of the original coaches in Whitwells' Dixie Youth baseball league when it formed, and was a big fan of the Atlanta Braves. He enjoyed NASCAR auto racing, hunting and especially fishing, whether it was on the lake or on the Sequatchie River setting trotlines. He also loved to maintain a big garden and ensured everyone got to enjoy an abundance of his vegetables.

He was a gentle person and always had a smile on his face.

James is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Betty Sweeton Rogers who passed on July 20, 2013; his parents Ray and Stella Rogers, brother Vernon Rogers, and sisters Dorothy Lovelady, Margaret Dyer, Barbara (Tootsie) Merciers, Ann Kilgore and Francis Barber.

James is survived by sons Jim (Tonya) Rogers: Whitwell, Ron (Karen) Rogers: Soddy Daisy, Barry (Paige) Rogers: Ooltewah, and daughter Melinda Rogers (friend Alan Gracy): East Brainerd. He also has grandchildren Chris (Alexis) and Darin (Brooke) Rogers; Chelsea (Micheal) Hixson, Caitlin Rogers and Ciera (Cody) Wampler; Seth and Sloane Rogers and five great-grandchildren (Carlee and Collin Rogers; Silas Rogers; Ella and Hollis Hixson). Also survived by his brother Billy Wayne (Gail) Rogers of Dunlap, In-laws; Wayne & Bobby Sweeton, Regina Sweeton & Anna Mae Rogers, Fred Barber, Alton Sweeton and many nieces and nephews.

Our family would like to thank Sheila Atterton and Pat Layne for their support and care while Dad was at home in Whitwell, and also the special caregivers and staff at The Terrace at Mountain Creek and the Life Care Center of Red Bank.

 Family will receive friends 3PM-8PM, CDT, Thursday Oct 10th, 2019 and 11AM-1:45PM, Friday, Oct 11, 2019

 Graveside Service 2PM, Friday, Oct 11th at Whitwell Memorial Cemetery with Rev. Roy Terry officiating.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzeheimer’s Association Chattanooga in memory of James Rogers 7625 Hamilton Park Drive  Suite 6 Chattanooga, TN 37421.

Share photos and memories at www.whitwellmemorialfuneralhome.com

Arrangements by Whitwell Memorial Funeral Home (423) 658-7777.

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