James Rogers

James P. Rogers Mr. James P. Rogers, 81 formerly of Grand Rapids and Lewiston, passed away at Aspen Ridge in Gaylord, Michigan on March 27, 2013. He was born on August 9, 1931 to Howard and Evelyn (Corongo) Rogers in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He graduated from Central High School in Grand Rapids and attended Michigan State University. A pastime of Jim's was playing the violin, and as a high school student he played in the Grand Rapids Symphony. It was after that he went into the military. Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force and became an instrumentation specialist. He managed a finance company after discharge. Later, he worked for Chevrolet and Oldsmobile agencies, then became a sales manager for Lincoln Mercury in Grand Rapids. Skiing, golfing, and Sprint car racing were his primary interests. In fact, in a near fatal sprint car race in 1983 he lost his left arm, but that loss never prevented his skiing or golfing. He had the opportunity to enjoy skiing throughout the United States as well as Western Canada, Austria, Switzerland, France, Germany, and Italy, and was a member of the National Ski Patrol for 17 years. He also enjoyed kayaking on the AuSable River. Jim was a member of the Congregational Church in Lewiston; the Lewiston Lions, one year being the "King Lion."; Lewiston Community Sharing and the Lewiston Moose. He was a past member of the VFW and American Legion downstate. He was the retired president of the Michigan Amputee Golf Association. Jim will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Jim is survived by his loving companion, Betty Clark of Lewiston; daughter, Jill Rogers of Chicago, Illinois; grandsons, Brandon and Jim Hessman of Indianapolis, Indiana; granddaughter, Jackie Hessman of Indianapolis, Indiana; and granddaughter, Melanie Sartz of Arizona. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Janice Hessman and Jackie Olewinski; granddaughter, Jennifer Hessman; and his brother, Richard Rogers. As were his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a memorial held in celebration of his life at the Congregational Church of Christ, Lewiston, Michigan; at a later date in the Spring. In lieu of flowers the family has suggested memorials to the Congregational Church of Christ or to Hospice of Michigan, Gaylord.
Jim is survived by his loving companion, Betty Clark of Lewiston; daughter, Jill Rogers of Chicago, Illinois; grandsons, Brandon and Jim Hessman of Indianapolis, Indiana; granddaughter, Jackie Hessman of Indianapolis, Indiana; and granddaughter, Melanie Sartz of Arizona. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Janice Hessman and Jackie Olewinski; granddaughter, Jennifer Hessman; and his brother, Richard Rogers.
As were his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a memorial held in celebration of his life at the Congregational Church of Christ, Lewiston, Michigan; at a later date in the Spring. In lieu of flowers the family has suggested memorials to the Congregational Church of Christ or to Hospice of Michigan, Gaylord.