J.C. Rodgers

James Charles (“JC”) Rodgers passed away on April 19, 2023 in Longview at Good Shepherd Hospital. A Mass of Christian Burial is planned for 1:00 PM on Friday, April 28 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Longview, with Father Gavin Vaverek officiating. Local arrangements are under the direction of Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore.

JC was born in Synder, Texas on April 6, 1951, moved to Longview in 1958, and currently lived in Kilgore. His passions were his kids, grand kids, carpentry, listening to music and playing drums. He worked in various aspects of construction for over 50 years. JC was a well-respected drummer who played in many different bands throughout the years, beginning when he was just 14 years old. He recently had the pleasure of making music with his talented nephew, Jackson, in the band Noonday which plays throughout the east Texas area. He was known for wearing Hawaiian shirts and shorts, his wicked sense of humor, quick wit, and outrageous story telling ability. JC will be dearly missed by his family and many friends.

JC is survived by his wife of 35 years, Melonye of Kilgore; sons Jason Rodgers and partner Carrie Young of Austin, and Lucas Rodgers and his wife Robyn of Kaiserslautern, Germany; Jake Thompson and wife Sally of Kilgore; daughter Jordan Rodgers and partner Cody Kenemore of Kilgore; brother John Rodgers and wife Gayle of Plano; sister Liz Rodgers of Kilgore; grandchildren Presley Thompson of Kilgore, Colby Thompson of Kilgore, Mira Moss of Austin, Luke Butler of Austin, and Ava Pace of San Antonio; sister-in-law Mandy Bagley of Kilgore; nephew Jackson Rodgers of Plano, nephew Kyle Fyffe, wife Trina and children of Kilgore; and niece Ashley Galloway, husband Charles and children of Kilgore. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, John Francis, Jr. and Mary Ruth (Pond) Rodgers of Longview, brother John Frances III, and sister, Mary Grace Rodgers of Longview.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org) or the charity of choice.