James Earl Rodgers

A TIME TO BE BORN:James Earl “Tip” Rodgers, the son of the late HD and Bessie Rodgers, was born February 13, 1944, in Williamston, North Carolina.A TIME TO BE BORN:James, Tip” as he was affectionately called, was educated in the public schools of Martin County, North Carolina. He graduated from E.J. Hayes High School. In 1966, he married Janice Wilks. Out of their love came two children.A TIME TO SERVE:James was a man of many capabilities. He always had an inquisitive mind. As a young boy, it greatly pleased him to take apart transistor radios, bicycles, etc., only reassemble them. He just had to know what made things “tick.” Not surprisingly, his mastermind would lead him to pursue a career with General Motors where he was able to continue to satisfy his curiosity and solve enigmas. In addition, he was a master builder. His trade of carpentry was an innate quality passed down through his lineage. “Tip” also loved people. He possessed such a genuine and charismatic spirit for his family and friends alike. He was a dedicated brother to his family and to the Brothers of the Essie Minor Lodge #40 B.P.O. Reindeer, Inc.A TIME TO WORSHIP:Having grown up in a Christian environment, Tip accepted the Lord as his personal Savior at an early age and joined the Cedar Hill Missionary Baptist Church where he attended Sunday school and church faithfully.A TIME TO MOURN:James Earl “Tip” Rodgers leaves to mourn: a daughter, Valerie Wilks, Baltimore, Maryland; grandchildren, Ashley Tates, Hilary Tates, Marcellus Rodgers, Anitra Rodgers; brothers, Warren Chester Rodgers (Faith), Parkville, MD, HD Rodgers, Jr.,(Ruth), Irvington, NJ; sisters, Sadie R. Crews (Randy), Columbia, MD; Gertie R. Lewis (Bobby), Temple Hills, MD, Barbara R. Little, Williamston, NC; Betsy R. Wallace (Reginald), Williamston, NC; aunt, Louise “Posh” Mason, Owings Mill, MD; brother-in-law, Frank Wilks, Baltimore, MD; sisters-in-law, Ellen Artis (Samuel), Greenville, NC., Nellie Cobb, New York., Martha McInnis, Baltimore, MD., Verna Wilks, Washington, D C.; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends, Billy and Charlene Winkler. His wife, Janice and son, Jimmy preceded him in death.A TIME TO REST:James “Tip” unexpectedly, calmly left his earthly home just a little ahead of the rest of his family and friends. Death has no prejudices; it does not discriminate against age, race, creed, or color. To see our dear father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend again, we have an opportunity to live so that when we are called, we will not go like a quarry slave scourged to his dungeon at night, but rather, we will approach our grave with a sustaining and soothing trust. The scripture declares that there is hope for a resurrection for those who are prepared. We are saddened to lose our loved one today, but we bid him farewell. Our time is not God’s time. So as there is a time for everything under the heave, we can only accept his departure with the hope of being reunited with him again. He will be sorely missed by all that knew him and loved him. Until we meet again, so long, our dear Tip; we loved you when you were with us and we will love you still.

Tributes

James Earl Rodgers

February 13, 1944 - May 18, 2006