James Niels Rodek Jr.

Born on November 18, 1986, in New Iberia, Louisiana, James Niels Rodek Jr. was the cherished son of Jim and Lori and "big little brother" and best friend to his sister, Ashley. He passed away on April 11, 2025, and in true James fashion, our social butterfly was surrounded by his family and closest friends.
James was everything Sarah could have asked for in a husband - steadfast, loving, and her true partner in every sense of the word. He was a devoted friend who showed up without being asked and stayed until the work-or fun-was done. Not everyone gets asked to be a best man three times, but James wasn't just anyone. His friendships were deep, loyal, and lasting. If he wasn't teaching his son all things DeWalt, you could find him at Shane's pole barn, on the water with Nick, the golf course with Kevin, the duck blind with Jake and Craig, or a fishing hole with John or all the above with his dad. He was also the proud and doting Funcle to Avery and Emerson, who rarely heard the word "no", but when it came to board games, James had a "take no prisoners" approach.
No role came more naturally - or brought him more joy - than being a father. His pride and joy, Tyler Gene, was born on February 17, 2024. The greatest loss may be that Tyler will never truly experience the incredible father James was destined to be.
James was larger than life - not just in stature but in heart. His magnetic spirit, genuine kindness, and proclivity for fun made a lasting impact on all who crossed his path. To know James was to love him. He appreciated all the good things in life: Miller lite and orange crushes, cooking Cajun food with his Momma, turkey hunting, fishing for anything that bites, The Marshall Tucker Band, crawfish boils, duck boating on the eastern shore, West Ocean City, carving and painting duck decoys, and LSU football. Geaux Tigers !
James was preceded in death by his faithful black lab, Cooper. We're sure they're together again, out on a marsh, picking up right where they left off.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to his exceptional nurses, Josh and Darcy, at Christiana Hospital's Neurocritical Care Unit, who went above and beyond providing much more than nursing care and compassion to James and his family.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 3 pm at Connection Community Church, 4744 Summit Bridge Rd., Middletown, DE, the viewing will begin at 1pm. Burial will be private.
Instead of flowers, honor James by casting a line and drinking a few, fine pilsners. And if you ever run into Tyler, be sure to tell him a memory you have of his incredible dad.
"It don't matter if we sit forever and the fish don't bite"