Jimmie Dale Rodgers

Jimmie Dale Rodgers, beloved sweetie, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, went to be with the Lord on April 10, 2016 at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings, Mont.

Jim was born Oct. 20, 1937 to Anna and Ralph Rogers in Julesburg, Colo. Jim was raised in Sidney and as a young man enlisted into the United States Navy. Jim served his country in that capacity from 1955 to 1958 aboard U.S.S. Essex.  Jim married his first wife, Alice Phillips, in 1959 in Sidney and the two of them gave birth to a son, John Rodgers. Jim and Alice later divorced and Jim met Cheryl Gunyan and they were married on Feb, 10, 1962, in Rock Springs, Wyo. The two of them gave birth to a daughter, Kari Rodgers. Jim and Cheryl divorced in 2000 and Jim spent the remainder of his life together with Lorraine Chapman.

Jim was a hard worker his entire life starting out as a young boy with his own shoe shine business, later as a young man, Jim was a golden gloves boxer, then went on to own V1 Gas Station in Rock Springs prior to moving to Gillette in 1968. He also sold Christmas trees during the holiday season. Jim's Water Service began in 1968 and has been an important part of the oil and gas industry ever since. Jim's business ventures expanded over the years as he invested in pipeline, heavy construction, hotels, gas stations, coal bed methane, rail yards and real estate. Jim prided himself on his work ethic and the ability he had to turn a little money into a lot of money. Most mornings Jim could be found enjoying coffee with his friends at Village Inn. Jim especially enjoyed the company of his large family and the small children that constantly surrounded him. He enjoyed the times when the entire family could be together and could always make everyone laugh. In addition to his family, Jim mostly enjoyed his work, his trucks and even the occasional John Wayne movie.

Jim is survived by his Love Lorraine Chapman, his beloved son John Rodgers and his wife Myrna, his loving daughter Kari Rodgers, grandchildren Clay (Marcie) Rodgers (Lillie and Rilynn); Craig (Michelle) Rodgers (Tucker and Blakely); Lacy Rodgers, Chelsey (Patrick) Robison (Rivers); and Paige Fortner (Boston and Audrey). His extended children and grandchildren includes Grant and Rhea Parsons (Jordan, Joshua, Jayden, Jessie, Marley), Trevers and Laura Chapman (Naiya, Torin), Jesse and Rebecca Chapman (Jordyn, Vivienne, Dominic), and Darlene Cox. His siblings are Dennis and Faye Rogers of Gillette, Jerry Rogers and wife Jodi Shelton of Dallas, and Deanne Ryle of Denver.

Jim is preceded in death by his mother, father, an infant sister and numerous oilfield buddies. 

A celebration of Jim's life will be at 10 am Monday, April 18, at New Life Wesleyan Church. Visitation is Sunday, April 17, at Walker Funeral Home from 4 to 7 pm.  In Lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to benefit Blessings in a Backpack – Gillette, Wyo. Memorials and Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Walker Funeral Home, 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent via our website: http://www.walkerfuneralgillette.com.