Jimmy O Rogers

On September 11, Muskogee lost a "gentle giant." Jimmy O. Rogers lost the battle with cancer that he had so courageously fought. He passed to Heaven from his own "heaven on earth", at home, with his family close. Jimmy was known for saying, "It is better to wear-out than to rust-out", and he kept to that idea to the very end.
A true "Okie from Muskogee", Jimmy was born January 20, 1942, to Bonnie and Lucille Rogers, who preceded him in death. He attended Pershing, West High School, and graduated from Central High School in 1960. Standing 6'6", he was a talented basketball player and went on to play college ball at Bacone and Northeastern State University.
Jimmy married Karren Hayner on June 9, 1962. He was welcomed by James and Orene Hayner who wholeheartedly loved him as their own son, Diane, as her older brother as well as the entire Thomas Clan.
Jimmy and Karren enjoyed 54 years in Muskogee together with their family and friends. Some of the most wonderful times were spent with daughters, Kathy and Kristy, in the family station wagon on roadtrips traveling all over the country as well as just driving around town and getting an ice cream. He was not only a wonderful attentive father but an incredible Papa to his 5 grandchildren. They were the light of his life. He had a special gift and his grandchildren as well as all of their friends were showered with boundless love, never-ending support, and valuable life lessons.
Jimmy was "larger than life" not only to his family but to so many others. He touched the lives of many over the 35 years that he worked in education. He taught at Tony Goetz and Grant Foreman and then became Principal at Edison Elementary, Grant Foreman, and finally Creek. He loved his students, teachers, and families. He was devoted to education, hard work, and strong character. He was not about making excuses. But believed that anything worth having could not be expected to be easy. He always showed fairness, understanding, and wisdom in his guidance without criticism, impatience or judgment. Jimmy retired from education but never gave up on teaching. From helping boy scouts with their Eagle projects, sharing his skills with his sons-in-law and making sure everyone had whatever furniture or remodeling projects they wanted. He enjoyed the many children who came out for field trips, hayrides, horseback riding, and fishing.
He was also a loyal and giving friend and neighbor. Whether it was moving hay, building fences, repairing a screen door, or simply taking the daily mail to a beloved elderly woman, he was always ready, willing, and able. It was nothing to see him drinking coffee and visiting on his "breaks". His work ethic, determination, and willingness was a source of pride for him and his family and a source of inspiration to all those he encountered. His loyalty and love were limitless and freely given.
He is survived by his wife, Karren; daughter, Kathy and son-in-law Paul Keeling, their 3 sons, Kit, Kase, and Kale; his daughter, Kristy and son-in-law Dan Newell and their 2 daughters, Karlie and Klaire; his brother, Gerald Rogers; sister, Carol Haddock; mother-in-law, Orene Hayner; sister-in-law, Diane and Kent Taylor; nieces and nephew as well as a large extended family.
A service celebrating the life of Jimmy Rogers will be held at 3:00 pm, Friday, September 16, at St. Paul United Methodist Church.
Memorials may be made to St. Paul United Methodist, 2130 W. Okmulgee Street, Muskogee, OK, 74401 or Education Foundation of Muskogee, PO Box 1198, Muskogee, OK 74402
"I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7
The family has entrusted Bradley Family Funeral Service with the arrangements.
Friends may send condolences to the family at www.bradleyfuneralservice.com

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