James S. Rodgers, 92, of Whitesboro, Texas — known to most as “Jas” or “Buck,” but best known and loved as “Pappaw” passed away peacefully with family at side on Saturday May 16th at TMC Hospital in Denison. Born November 2, 1933, at home in Sadler, Texas, James was the son of Albert and Clay Rodgers, who welcomed him into a big family alongside eight brothers and sisters. 

Raised in west Grayson County, James attended school in Sadler before graduating from Whitesboro High School. 
Following graduation, James enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country spending 18 months stationed in Germany. James was a dedicated and faithful member of New Heritage Baptist Church in Sherman.

On June 8, 1958, he married the love of his life, Mary Nell Howell, at First Baptist Church in Tioga, Texas. From that day forward, the two built a life together grounded in faith, love, devotion, and family. They were married 68 years.

James was employed in the Paris district Texas Department of Public Transportation engineering department for 38 years before retiring in the early 90’s to manage his cattle and hay farming operation. A farm boy and cattleman at heart, he believed in hard work, keeping your word, loving your neighbor, and trusting the Lord every step of the way. A devout Southern Baptist, his faith wasn’t something he just talked about on Sundays — it was how he lived every day of his life.
If you knew James well, you probably knew him for his famous homemade “Buck’s Cowboy” peanut brittle. It’s been said by many that no one could make it better. Over the years, his well-known candy blessed many people all over Texas and Oklahoma during the holidays. James also donated a lot of his brittle which helped to raise money for countless local fundraising organizations. He faithfully volunteered for many years with Grayson County’s Texoma Exposition & Livestock Show, always happy to support the next generation of kids learning responsibility and hard work.

“Jas” had a way with words too. His legendary “Jas-isms” — those funny sayings, bits of wisdom, and country truths — will live on in the stories and laughter shared by family and friends for years to come.

James is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Nell Rodgers of Whitesboro; daughter Donna Rodgers Armstrong of Pilot Point and her partner David Green; son Doug Rodgers and wife Shelley of Whitesboro; son Dale Rodgers and wife Carolina of Celina; sister-in-law, Mikie Howell Clark and husband Cloyce of McKinney, and a large number of nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

He was especially proud of his three grandchildren, Ty Armstrong, Evan Rodgers, and Nina Jessie Rodgers. Pappaw talked about them every chance he got, and they knew without question how deeply they were loved.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Clay Rodgers along with eight siblings.

Viewing and family night was held on Wednesday, May 20th at Turrentine Jackson Morrow Funeral Home in Whitesboro from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Funeral services were held at 10:00 am, Thursday, May 21st at the First Baptist Church in Whitesboro with Pastor Roy Duff officiating. Burial will follow at Sadler Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Turrentine Jackson Morrow.

Pallbearers will be Doug Rodgers, Dale Rodgers, Ty Armstrong, Evan Rodgers, Bill Brown, Randy Perkins, Michael Clark, and Rickey Coulson.