James Herndon Rogers

Rogers Dr. James Herndon Ross Rogers, Ed.D., 86, passed away on Nov. 7, 2012, in Wellington, Fla. He was born in Soon Chun, Korea, to medical missionary parents, and in 1940 his family settled in Glade Spring. He attended Emory & Henry College ('50), where he met and married Dorothy DeBusk. He was a Navy electrician 3rd Class on the USS Tollberg and the USS Mt Vernon during WWII. He received his master's degree at UNC-Chapel Hill ('52) and his Ed.D. at the University of Georgia ('69). A lifelong and gifted educator, he was vice principal at Tazewell High School and principal of Burkes Garden School before moving to Florida in 1958. He was the supervisor of social studies for the Broward County Schools and after retirement taught teaching methods at Florida Atlantic University. As a Fulbright Scholar, he taught at universities in Cairo, Egypt, and New Delhi, India. His passions were sailing, travel, aviation and his horses. He was beloved in the South Florida dressage community and by children at Pakokee Elementary, where he volunteered for many years. He passed away at his home in Wellington, Fla., with his children by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. James McLean Rogers and Mary Dunn Ross Rogers; brother, Dr. David Phillip Ross Rogers; sister, Mary McLean Rogers Worrell; his ex-wife, Dorothy Jane DeBusk Rogers (Kuhl); and a special best friend, Ray Adkins. Survivors include his children, James McLean Rogers II and wife, Patricia, of Belleair, Fla., Carolyn Elizabeth Rogers Long of Wellington, Fla., Shannon McLean Rogers Simpson and husband, Scott, of Chilhowie; grandchildren, Erin Neshbihal and husband, Jeff, William Silverthorn and wife, Hanna, James Silverthorn, Darrell Silverthorn, Preston Simpson and Vaughan Simpson; great-grandchildren, Alicia Silverthorn, Austin Neshbihal and William Silverthorn; and beloved nieces and nephews. A graveside committal service will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, in Old Glade Cemetery with Pastor Tim Byrd officiating. Full military honors will be rendered by Francis Marion VFW Post 4667. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley's Funeral Chapel of Chilhowie is in charge of arrangements.