James Thomas Roderick

Dear Carolyn and family --

Please know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers.

I served on the board of Planned Parenthood when Jim was our leader and CEO.

It was an honor to work with him.

And Carolyn, it was such a delight to get to know you.

You all are in my heart,

Lisa Kraus

James T. Roderick

Carolyn, Will, and Amy,

PJ and I are so sorry that we are out of the country and unable to be with you to celebrate Jim's life. We will be with you in spirit and send our love.

Jim and I met 35 years ago when he hired me to be his associate in the Regional Office of Planned Parenthood. I remember meeting you all at Dotsy's house for the first time, enjoying dinner and board games. Our families shared experiences growing up in Richardson: Saturday morning music lessons, family get-togethers and vacations.

That new job with Jim changed my life in positive ways I could never have imagined. But Jim changed thousands of lives in very significant ways. When he was given the task of re-establishing Planned Parenthood in Dallas, he faced monumental odds against success. Not only was there opposition from those who opposed family planning, there was also resistance from the family planning community who thought there was no need for Planned Parenthood since existing agencies were providing that service. Fast forward to now and none of those agencies is still in existence and Planned Parenthood of Dallas has grown from one clinic to Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, one of the largest affiliates in the country.

How do you create something from nothing? I don't have the answer, but Jim did. He was brilliant at identifying resources and channeling them, one step at a time. He had an uncanny sixth sense and bulldog determination. When we would meet for lunch during the ensuing years, I would marvel at his accomplishments. He was always very humble, saying that he had had a lot of help. In the early days, he had more opposition than help and yet he succeeded magnificently against all odds. I still don't know how he did it.

My nickname for Jim was Dynamite. He personified power in a compact package. Because of Jim, thousands of families in Dallas and in Texas have been able to get the healthcare that they need and control their lives based on their choices, not someone else's. This is a legacy that will outlive us all.

Emerson Bell

I worked for Jim for six years. He had a wonderful sense of humor and strong desire to serve those in need. I'm sorry for the family's loss.

I pray that God's perfect peace continues to permeate your heart, mind, and soul. Mr. Roderick is an amazing leader. As an employee of Planned Parenthood, I am thankful for everything he deposited in us. He made me feel valued, and the fruits of his labor are evident in the growth of our thriving Organization. Friend, you in my thoughts and prayers.

Carolyn and family; I knew Jim for many years through Planned Parenthood. In fact, he was assigned as my mentor when I started out as the CEO of PP of West Texas in 1989. I have very fond memories and I know you will all miss him. Please accept my deepest condolences.