James Alan Rooker

Rooker
James Alan Rooker (1932-2011) After 79 years of living life to the fullest, James Alan Rooker passed away on May 24, 2011. He was born on April 17, 1932 in Sioux City, Iowa. He, along with is brother,Richard and sister, Virginia were the children of Noel and Mabel Rooker. He had an active upbringing and was a Boy Scout having achieved the honor of Eagle Scout. He attended Central High School in Sioux City and was involved in sports and student government. Upon graduation in 1950, he moved to Ames, Iowa to attend Iowa State University where he was a member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, the Knights of St.
Patrick engineering honor society, the Scabbard and Blade military honor society and was selected by the Chicago Tribune as the most outstanding ROTC engineering student. Upon graduation in 1954 with a degree in Mining Engineering, he served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army Corp of Engineers. Jim joined Continental Oil Company in 1957 as a Geophysicist and spent most of his career in international exploration. His work required him to live throughout the world and travel to some of the most remote locations. After 35 years with Conoco, he retired in 1992.
Jim had the privilege of being married to two amazing women during his life. He met his first wife, Joyce Ann Moler, in college and they were married in 1957. Jim and Joyce had four children: Robin, Bruce, Brad and Tom. They were married for 31 years until her passing in 1988. He met his second wife, Bonnie Lee Sorenson Savage through Northwoods Presbyterian Church, however, their families had been long-time neighbors and friends. They were married in 1990 and remained together for the remainder of his life. Jim had a profound faith and deep care for others as was witness by his lifetime membership in the Presbyterian Church where he served as both Deacon and Elder. He also was actively involved in organizations that cared for the mentally challenged, even serving as the founding president of the Northwest County Association for Retarded citizens. He was preceded in death by his parents, Noel and Mabel; his first wife, Joyce and his step-daughter, Laura Kay Savage. Jim is survived by his second wife, Bonnie and his children, step-children and grandchildren, Robin Johnson and husband Frank, Jennifer and Kimberly of Quitman, TX, Bruce Rooker of Houston, Brad Rooker and wife Mary, Christopher and Casey of
Houston; Tom Rooker and wife Nikki, Abby and Tyler Chillot and Lila Joyce Rooker of Washington D.C.; Todd Savage and partner Diederik Schwaanhuyser of Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Jeff Savage and wife Michelle, Soren and Josie Kay of Tulsa, OK; his siblings, Richard Rooker and wife Barbara of Santa Ana, California and Virginia Cox and husband, Bob of Hayden Lake, Idaho. He was an exceptional man who lived a wonderful life.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday May 28, 2011 in Klein Memorial Park on F.M.249. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday at Northwoods Presbyterian Church, 3320 FM 1960 West Houston, Tx. 77068. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in honor of Jim to Northwoods Presbyterian Church or Reach Unlimited.