Jimmy Rodgers

Jimmy Joe Rodgers, Sr., longtime Konawa resident, passed away Wednesday, June 18, 2008, at Valley View Regional Hospital in Ada at the age of 80 years.rnrnHe was born August 23, 1927 in Konawa to Joe Rodgers, Sr. and Mary (Doolen) Rodgers. rnrnJimmy was active in all sports as a child. He grew up on the streets of Konawa and was known as the local paperboy. He also helped his mom at the local tag office and the family grocery store. rnrnAfter high school, Jimmy attended ECU for two years.rnrnHe then enlisted in the US Marines in June 1945 and served his country in the 1st Marine Division during World War II. He later served in the US Army Company B 180th Infantry Regiment as a Platoon Sergeant in Japan during the Korean War. He received an honorable discharge in September 1951.rnrnOn August 27, 1960 Jimmy married Neva Ann (Isaacs) in Konawa and moved to Wanette where they raised their family on a farm.rnrnJimmy was a longtime farmer and rancher. He bailed and sold hay for almost 60 years in the Konawa area. He was known to have bailed hay for five generations around the Konawa area. rnrnHe enjoyed raising a garden and fresh vegatables, playing his guitar and was a ranked tennis player, avid reader, historian and storyteller. Family and friends enjoyed his sense of humor.rnJimmy also won several Will Rogers look-a-like contests in later years. Jimmy was interested in politics and was his grandchildren's biggest fan.rnrnJimmy was a member of the First Baptist Church of Konawa.rnrnHe is survived by his wife, Neva Ann (Isaacs) Rodgers of the home;rnrnthree sons, Scotty Sexton of Denver, CO, James Roberts and his wife Sharlyn of Morenci, AZ and Jimmy Joe Rodgers, Jr. and his wife Connie of Choctaw, OK; rnrntwo daughters, Gina Bass and her husband Cliff of Roff and Anna Ellis and her husband Jerimy of Yukon; rn rnone brother, Joe Rodgers, Jr. and his wife Linda of Las Vegas, NV; rnrnone sister, Wanda Baresel of Oklahoma City; rnrn15 grandchildren, April, Chris, Amanda, Isaac, Jessica, Josh, Jamie, Cody, Monica, Heather, Caleb, Jacob, KaySea, Sara and Benjamin;rnrn15 great grandchildren and a host of other family and friends. rnHe was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law, Jess and Ida Isaacs.rnrnFuneral services will be held Monday, June 23, 2008 at 10:30 A.M. at Grace Community Church in Vamoosa with Rev. Drew Isaacs and Rev. Mark Streetman officiating.rnrnBurial will follow at Konawa Cemetery with military honors.rnrnServices are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, Konawa. Funeral Information: June 22, 2008, 10:30 AM