James Bert Rood

James Bert Rood passed away on Thursday, December 18th, 2025, at the University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City, Kansas. He was 81 years old and lived in Lawrence, Kansas. He was born March 16, 1944, in Lawrence, Kansas to Ralph and Mildred Rood.

Jim worked on his uncle’s farm as a young man and found his love for the outdoors and riding horses. He ventured to Colorado after high school and worked as a ski instructor and performed folk songs at night. He joined the Air Force and just before basic training he met Terry Best and fell in love. They married on April 22,1967 and had one son, Dan (Cyndi) Rood. Jim also had two grandchildren, Matty Owen and Allison Rood.

Jim returned to Kansas after his career in the Air Force and worked for the Lawrence Journal World and Laser Graphics. Jim and his brother Stan Rood formed a band, Bluestem, with his brother-in-law Marvin Pine. Keith Alberding and Rick Marshall joined the band later and they performed across the Midwest as well as graced the main stage at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas. Music was Jim’s passion. He loved to get together with old and new friends to jam. He was a master fiddle player. He was generous with his time, and he was amazing at choosing a tune, encouraging a new player to take a break, singing, and being a friend.

When he wasn’t playing music, Jim was also a master wood worker. He built and repaired furniture as well as built musical instruments and beautiful boxes for friends and family.

Jim enjoyed traveling the world with his wife Terry and they had many adventures around the world in Egypt, France, Spain, Italy and most recently Africa last year. He enjoyed camping with friends, and spending time with his son and grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his son Dan (Cyndi), his sisters Kathy Pine (Marvin) and Judy Palmquist. He was also preceded in death by his brother Stan Rood, and his wife Terry Rood only one month ago.

Jim’s family would like to thank everyone who loved him and called him friend for everything you did to support him through this difficult time. His friends meant the world to him and we thank you for your love and support.

Details of a joint celebration of life for Jim and Terry will be announced soon.

If you wish, please make a donation in Jim’s name in lieu of flowers to Lawrence Memorial Hospital Cancer Center, or a charity of your choice. It may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary; 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.