James Vavsaour Rootsey
James Vavsaour Rootsey
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James Rootsey Obituary
Jim was born in Margate, Kent, England on October 18, 1938. In 1948 his family immigrated to Vancouver, B.C., Canada, and finally settled in San Francisco, California.
On August 31,1962 Jim married his beloved, Carol Decker in San Francisco. He graduated from the University of California Berkeley in June 1963 with a degree in Electrical Engineering, later earning two Masters degrees. Jim served in the Air Force reserves and had a variety of jobs, including the California State Parks, Ford Aerospace in Mountain View, California, Harris Corporation in Mebourne, Florida and Hysky, a start-up company, where he continued to work until his death.
Jim loved working with young people and volunteered for many years teaching Sunday School classes, leading a puppet team, and organizing youth activities and workshops. He especially loved writing, had a vivid imagination, and wrote a number of books geared toward young people. One of his aims in writing was to stir up a curiosity about the awesome God he himself had come to believe in at 17 and to understand how much this God loved them by sending Jesus to be their savior.
Jim's children, their spouses and grandchildren were the joy of his life. He was so proud of each one and spending time together always made for a good day and happy memories for him. The personalized birthday cards he created for them became a treasured annual tradition.
Jim leaves behind his loving wife of over 61 years, Carol Rootsey, daughter Diana (Greg) Hill, son Rick (Linda) Rootsey, 8 grandchildren -Taylor and Sam Hill, Amanda (Kyle) Glisson, Jimmy, Charlie and Sarah Rootsey, Skyler and Dana Kovacs, brother, Wilson Rootsey, and sister, Penny (Carl) Clemm.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, William and Violet Rootsey, sister Ena Thorne, and daughter-in-law Joanne Rootsey.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, July 20:
River Run Christian Church
1660 Croton Rd, Melbourne, Fl 32935
In lieu of flowers, donations would be gratefully accepted by:
Helen's House - Center for women and children
1734 Aurora Rd
Melbourne, Fl 32935
Or
Online www.citarescuemission.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Gloria Douglas
August 19, 2025
Just learning about his passing now and am in tears. I knew him from Space Coast Writer's Guild where members shared beta read critiques of others' story drafts. His suggestions and scientific expertise were critical in bringing my Christian Science Fiction ideas to life, and over the years I've been recommending his book "A Beginning Along the Way" to many online who are questioning God and creation. Jim had given me permission to quote passages and use as a reference (always citing credits). His enjoyable and thought-provoking stories live on, as does the memory of this kind and thoughtful man. I treasure my copies of his books and will continue to share them with young adults.
Gary Proctor
July 9, 2024
I first met Jim at Harris where he was in management and I was a peon. It didn't matter, he treated everyone with the same grace and kindness. Running into him again 30 years later at River Run church was a pleasure. I always enjoyed our time together. Great example of a life well lived. I pray God's comfort for Carol and the family.
Gary Proctor
Chrissy Wood
July 9, 2024
CHRISSY ^WOOD
My brothers (Derek and Alan Clark) and myself send heartfelt condolences to Carol, Diana and Rick and their families. We are Jim's English cousins. I have fond memories of Jim. In particular, his and Carol's kindness when I holidayed with them in the early 70s. Jim and Carol later met my family when they visited England and my daughter still remembers Jim and his stories. God bless you all.
Alex Rodriguez
July 9, 2024
I loved Uncle Jim so very much. He was such a light to us all. I´m so so sorry to Aunty Carol, Diana, Rick and all of the family. You will all be in my prayers! Xoxo
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Karen Looney Glazier
July 8, 2024
Dear Carol and family,
My prayers and thoughts are with you as you go through this difficult time. I wish I could be there as you celebrate Jim's life. He was a very special man. Love and hugs,
Karen Looney Glazier (Carmie's daughter)
Betty Sammons (Sienkiewicz)
July 7, 2024
I have such wonderful memories of Mr Rootsey, especially visiting with Carol and Joann and the kids in North Carolina.
He was always so positive and happy. For some reason I remember how he would have an orange or other fruit after dinner...I´ve made that a habit as well.
Until we all meet again.
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