Beech Tree News Network

James P. Rogers—known to many as Jimmy—was born on February 14, 1935, in Bowling Green, KY, to the late James and Margaret Rogers. A proud Bowling Green native, he attended Bowling Green City Schools and graduated from Bowling Green High School in 1953, where he made a name for himself on the football field. His talent earned him a place on the National High School All-American Football Team during his senior year and a scholarship offer from the University of Kentucky, which he ultimately declined. Instead, he enrolled at UK, but his plans took an unexpected turn after a serious car accident during his freshman year forced him to take time off for recovery. While recuperating, he took aptitude tests at WKU, which sparked his interest in forestry. After much research, he discovered the University of Florida's forestry program, a perfect fit for his love of conservation, tree growth, and the outdoors—not to mention Florida’s many great fishing spots.

While at U of FL he was active in the ROTC program, and the ATO Fraternity.  After graduation, he served in the US Army Active Reserve and on active duty from 1961 – 1962.  He worked as a certified Forester for the KY Division of Forestry for five years before starting his own business.  James P. Rogers Lumber Company.

Jimmy was active in farming, growing pine trees, and operating the Rogers Tree Farms and Christmas Tree Sales.  He was a certified Consulting Forester assisting many landowners in KY and the surrounding states with the sale of their timber.  He was a life-long advocate of Conservation and Wildlife Management and an avid fisherman.  He was honored to serve as the Board of Directors at BB&T and proud of the bank’s growth and many accomplishments.  

Jimmy was a member of State Street Methodist Church and he loved going every Sunday he could.  He enjoyed his church family and especially his Sunday school group.  He was also a charter member of Christ United Methodist Church and worked and served there for 30 years in its beginning.

He is survived by his wife Sue of 64 years of marriage, daughter Jennifer Rogers, son Richard Rogers (Shea), grandsons’ Austin Shahan, Andrew Shahan (Lauren) and great grandson Lockett J Shahan. He also has a niece, Linda Haggard and nephew, John Strickland.  He has several very special cousins and was preceded in death by his parents, James and Margaret Rogers and his beloved sister, Mary Lou Strickland.

Celebration of a Well Lived Life will be Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 12 noon at J C. Kirby and Son Lovers Lane Chapel. Visitation will be Tuesday 9:00 am until time of services at the funeral home. 

Expressions of sympathy may be made to State St. United Methodist Church or Salvation Army.