Captain Johnny Ray Rodriguez

Captain Johnny Ray "J-Rod" Rodriguez was born November 15, 1959. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1978 and left this earth November 29, 2018 at age 59.

A gathering of friends and relatives will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 5, 2018, at Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 6, 2018, at Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Johnny was a sailor, soldier, and patriot for this Great Nation. He was a Navy, Merchant Marine and Department of Defense Veteran. As a Merchant Marine Captain, he was a first responder to the terrorist attacks in New York City on 911. He and his crew used their boat to rescue people from Manhattan, removing them from "harm's way." When there were no more people to evacuate, he and his crew began assisting the F.D.N.Y. and others to fight fires and took part in the very dangerous search and rescue efforts; and finally, in the recovery operations at "ground zero" with no regards for his personal health or safety.

Johnny gave up his career in the Merchant Marine for a time, when he was asked to come to the aide of our country by the D.O.D. to use his special skills to assist the Navy during the conflict in the Persian Gulf, again, putting his life and health at risk for the aide of our Great Nation. After his stent with the D.O.D., Johnny returned to the Merchant Marine, until he was diagnosed with renal failure, causing him to be put on dialysis and ending the career that he so loved. He was on dialysis 3 times a week while awaiting a kidney transplant – that never came. Johnny tried to remain connected to his Maritime career by becoming a transport driver for Sabine Pilots in Groves, TX, until his declining health prevented him from doing his job. Johnny wanted to become well enough to continue his beloved "career on the water."

Johnny will be remembered by his friends and family as a selfless man of his word, who was always looking for ways to help others, despite his own problems. He was a giving, caring and loving man who will be remembered with love, respect, and admiration – always with a big smile!

Johnny was a TRUE friend and brother, always willing to listen, give ideas, comforting words, or just be there for you if needed. He will be sorely missed by all whose lives he enriched. May you RIP Captain J-Rod. Love you brother always.