James Alvin Rodgers

James Alvin Rodgers, 78 of Punxsutawney passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, February 16, 2018.  James was born in Burkett Hollow on April 27, 1939 to the late William Boyd and Blanche Edith (Means) Rodgers.  He married his wife of 58 years, Lois Etha Stewart, on March 12, 1959.  Lois survives and resides at their home in Burkett Hollow.

James was a humble man who enjoyed staying busy and was a particularly hard worker.  As such, during his lifetime, he worked as a logger, saw mill laborer, and construction worker.  James was a very proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 66, District 1 from Pittsburgh.  As an operating engineer he was employed by both Penn Lines and Green Acres Contracting as a guard rail pounder.  Following his retirement from Green Acres in 1996, James busied himself with carpentry work, farming, and caring for his family … a “Labor of Love” given that his family meant everything to him.  James and his wife, Lois, were members of the First Church of God in Punxsutawney. 

James is survived by his wife, Lois, of nearly 59 years; his two daughters, Kathryn Louise Coulter and husband, Frederick of Punxsutawney; Carol Ann Fike and husband, Wayne of Summerville; his son, Alvin Douglas Rodgers and wife, Maryanne of Reynoldsville.  James is survived by three brothers, William Samuel Rodgers and wife, Judith of Punxsutawney; Robert Wayne Rodgers and wife Linda of New Paris, PA; and David Clarence Rodgers and wife, Denise of Punxsutawney.  His sisters are, Velma Belle Burkett of Punxsutawney, and Betty Jean Reed and husband, Paul of Anita.  James is also survived by eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.  His grandchildren are, William James and Douglas Paul Coulter; Jennifer Rena (Fike) Wilson; Jeffery Wayne Fike; Heather Lynne, Heidi Nicole, Caitlyn Marie, and Samuel Alvin Rodgers.

In addition to his parents, William and Blanche Rodgers, James was preceded in death by his grandson, Frederick Nathan Coulter.

In keeping with James’s wishes, funeral arrangements are private and under the direction of the Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc. of Punxsutawney. Pastor Greg Smith will officiate the funeral service.

James will be interred at the Olive Cemetery in Oliveburg on Monday, February 19, 2018.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in James’s memory to the First Church of God in Punxsutawney, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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