James Lee Rogers

James Lee Rogers, 91, of Stapleton, GA passed away Saturday, January 10, 2026 at his home surrounded by his close family.

Mr. James, as he was fondly called by those who knew him well and sometimes “Jim”, was born and raised in Stapleton, where he graduated in 1952 as Valedictorian from Stapleton High School’s first 12-grade class. From a humble beginning as a house painter with his father, he had a long and successful career in the clay mining business starting as laborer in the construction of the clay plant, Georgia-Tennessee Mining Company of Wrens. Working numbers of jobs in the plant, he eventually worked his way up to the Plant Manager of the Excel Minerals plant in Jefferson County. Along the way he was involved in all aspects of plant design, construction and management.

James served his community in many ways—he was a volunteer EMT, the first Administrator of the City of Wrens 1975, the Jefferson County Administrator starting in 1996 and the Construction Manager for the Jefferson County Law Enforcement Center starting in 2003. A longtime member of Wrens Christian Fellowship, formerly Wrens United Methodist Church, he held various administrative positions, taught Sunday school, volunteered in the Methodist Youth Fellowship and sang in the church choir.

An accomplished amateur pilot, James was instrumental in the construction of the airfield in Wrens and was once the co-owner of a Cessna 172 airplane, flying his children on Sunday afternoons to surrounding cities.

James knew how to enjoy life. He loved farming and spent many pleasurable afternoons on his tractor. He loved to boat and camp with his children and grandchildren as they were growing up and loved traveling at home and abroad visiting the United Kingdom, other numerous countries in Europe, Canada, Mexico and Hawaii. He was fearless in his efforts to master new technologies as they evolved.

A man who embraced new opportunities and one with incredible patience, he always acted with honesty and integrity, was gentle in spirit and could always find the time to help others. He never departed from these core values and was well liked by all.

James is survived by his second and loving wife of 31 years, Charlotte Orser Caley Rogers; his three children: Linda R. Weeks (Jerry), Donnie Rogers (Cindy), and Ronnie Rogers; his seven grandchildren Ashlee Arrington (Tony), Kyle Weeks (Jennifer),Toni Lyn Stewart (Dwyne), Brandon Rogers (Jenny), Jamie Bailey (Joe), Tyler Rogers (Kailey), Morgan Usry (Austin); nineteen great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and his sister Mary Rogers Thigpen. His memory will also be cherished by his nephew, Dr. Lance Thigpen, and Charlotte’s children, Cordell Caley (Joanna) and Sean Caley (Kim); and grandchildren Cooper and Sarah.

He was predeceased by his first wife of 41 years, Martha Ellen McGahee Rogers; parents, Hattie Mae Allen Rogers and Clinton Lee Rogers; and daughter-in-law, Brenda Rogers.

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 1:00 – 2:30 PM Thursday afternoon, January 15, 2026. A memorial service will begin at 2:30PM in the James Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ron Dixon and Rev. David Perry officiating. Honored to serve as Honorary Pallbearers include Joe Brooks, Rev. Alex Nelson, Calvin Oliphant, Tripp Rooks, Ken Thomas, Alan Wasden and Dennis Wheeler.

There are no words that can express how grateful and blessed we are to our friends and family who supported him and his family during his illness. Also, a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Lance Thigpen, the nurses and aides of Regency Southern Care Hospice Services.

His legacy will carry on forever, reminding us to be the better people we all aspire to be. His constant desire to follow Jesus will continue to inspire us to live a life of meaningful acts of love and service as modeled by Christ.