James “Jim” D. Rogers, a life-long Xenia resident, passed away at age 82 on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Lily Lake, Florida, his winter home. Jim was born March 21, 1943, to Rev. E.D. and Elizabeth Rogers. He married Lela Rogers on Dec. 22, 1963, and they were partners in life and on their farm until her passing in 2021.

      Jim was the epitome of a hard-working farmer. He learned much of his trade from one of his heroes, his maternal grandfather Herman Bower, and took over many of the duties of his family’s farm when he was just 10 years old following his grandfather’s passing. Jim lived and worked on his family’s farm almost his entire life and had been awarded for his conservation and cooperative efforts. He could fix almost anything in his home and on his farm.

      Throughout his life, Jim’s loves included summertime, fishing, tractor pulls, gardening, pointer pups, and country music. Earlier in his life some of his greatest days were spent trout fishing with family and friends including Claude Hodges at Montauk State Park in Missouri. He was known to travel hours for a good tractor pull, sometimes leaving doubt as to whether Lela was going along willingly. For decades, Jim and Lela together grew a bountiful garden including several acres of sweet corn. With their first patch following the birth of their son, they saved all the proceeds from their sweet corn sales for their son’s education. Almost always stoic, Jim would get tears in his eyes remembering some of his favorite dogs he’d raised through the years, including Sandy, Lorrie, and Frankie. Jim enjoyed country music his entire life, and had it playing loudly on the radio in his barn 24 hours a day, seven days a week. His favorites included Marty Robbins and Connie Smith. Jim made friends easily wherever he went, including backstage at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, where he earned the nickname “Opry Dad.”

      Jim’s final day before going to heaven was almost exactly as he would have scripted it, had he been given the chance. He spent his morning laughing and joking with his best friend George Smith while they together repaired a tractor, then went to his standing Monday – Friday 12:30 Lily Lake golf game with several of his friends. Completing the course with a great shot, he was being congratulated by his buddies when he took his last breath.

      Jim faithfully attended The Orchardville Church and while wintering in Florida, the Frostproof First Christian Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, extended family, and many good friends. He is survived by his son Dan Rogers (Amanda) of Nashville, Tennessee; his brother Donald (Shirley) of Sullivan, Illinois; Sisters-in-law Carolyn Smith of Xenia and Gail Lewis of Iuka; extended family; and legions or friends including Xenia coffee drinkers, the Florida Flywheelers, and his Lily Lake neighbors and golf crew.

      A celebration of Jim’s life will be held next year at the Orchardville Church during his favorite time of year, summertime. Should you wish, Dan and Amanda ask his many friends to do something kind in his honor this week. Memorials may also be made to the Orchardville Church Building Fund (HOME | Orchardville Church) or to the Opry Trust Fund, which assists members of the country music community in times of emergency need (Opry Trust Fund | Opry). Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora is assisting the family.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com