It was an incredibly sorrowful start to the New Year as the wider Castlewellan community learned of the death of Mr James Rodgers following a brave battle against illness. James, of Bunkers Hill, Castlewellan passed away peacefully on the morning of 2 January, 2010 at the home he lovingly shared with his wife Sally and daughter Michaela. He was 45.
James was born in Castlewellan on 15 October 1964, the second of eight children born to Kevin and Eileen Rodgers. James was a happy-go-lucky child was carried that optimistic spirit into adult life. He attended St Malachy's Primary School in the town and went on to attend St Malachy's High School where he fully embraced school life. Sport was one of his greatest interests and he particularly enjoyed Gaelic football and basketball. His enthusiastic approach to any task and his easygoing nature made him many friends as evidenced by the enormous numbers who turned out for his wake and funeral.
Born into the family business of Rodgers Brothers, Building Contractors, James was keen to join his father Kevin and learn the ropes. He became a joiner and took great pleasure in providing a high standard of workmanship. But it was the banter of life on the site and the camaraderie between fellow workers that always brought a smile to James' face.
A lifelong passion was Gaelic football and he played from underage level for Castlewellan GAC. James regarded himself as a true "Town man" and took great pride in the green and black. He enjoyed success with the Seconds and his beloved Thirds teams, but his involvement did not end with his 'on the field' activity. In 1983 he joined the commitee and in 1985 he assumed refereeing duties for the club. However, it was on the social side that his role would be best remembered. Along with many club volunteers he assisted a the very successful fundraising festivals of the mid eighties. He was delighted to take part in the club's trips to the USA in 1989 and 1991. When the Town reached the County Championship Final in 1994, the team's achievement had to be rewarded with a corresponding level of support. Hence the Green Army was drafted with James at its helm. Marching from the club to St Patrick's Park it was a sight to behold and it demonstrated the pride in the club, felt not just by James, but by every supporter. Several months ago, on winning the Thirds Championship, the Thirds management gave James great pleasure by inviting him, his wife and daughter as guests of honour to the post match meal, an evening that he thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated.
In his later years, James became a proud family man. He was devoted to his wife Sally and daughter Michaela and nothing gave him greater pleasure than doing a bit of DIY around the home and tending his garden. Indeed he was so keen on gardening that when he had finished work on his own, he would saunter up to his parents home to work on theirs. He had a keen interest in plants, fostered by his mother from a young age, and one of his regrets during his illneess was that he was unable to continue this activity.
James was diagnosed with a brain tumour in early 2007 and at first it was hoped that this was benign. Alas, this was not to be and as his condition progressed he agreed to take part in a BBC documentaryy highlighting the work of his surgeon. It was put to him that this film would give a level of assurance to all those facing major brain surgery and it was a measure of his character that he felt the need to help others even as his own condition was so critical. He faced his illness with tremendous courage and a forbearance that asked not "why me?" but "why not me?". Anyone who came in contact with him throughout his illness could not help but wonder at his fortitude and this calm, quiet strength enabled all who were close to him to walk the path with him to the end.
To those who knew him, James will never be forgotten. He lived a very full life, he had simple pleasures and he had a readineess to reach out to others. Nothing was ever too much trouble, if he could do anyone a favour, he would. His funeral on Monday 4 January witnessed a tremendous turnout on what was a bitterly cold day. His Requiem Mass in St Malachy's Church, Castlewellan was conducted Fr Sean Cahill PP who delivered a touching eulogy. He is deeply mourned by his wife Sally and daughter Michaela, parents Kevin and Eileen Rogers, sisters Elaine, Sinead and Margaret, brothers Michael, Declan, Donal and Stephen, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces and a wide circle of family friends.
- Mourne Observer, February 2, 2010 Tweet

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