James "Buddy" Rodgers

Buddy Rodgers, longtime resident of Albuquerque, passed away August 10, 2022 at the age of 81 with loved ones by his side.  He is survived by his children: Tony Rodgers (Roberta Duck), Steve Rodgers (Carmela), Melinda Rodgers (Randy Armijo), Sisters: Beverly DeGeorge (Bill Wootton), Patricia Rodgers (Harry Stumpf), and Brother-in-law Don Morales (Judy), Grandchildren: Cori Browning (Joel), Emmi Farris (Aaron), Evan Hall (Megan), Anthony Rodgers, and Sierra Rodgers, Great Grandchildren: Lucas, Charlotte, Logan, Noah, and Dean.  Buddy was preceded in death by his wife Jo Ann Morales Rodgers and his parents Beaven and Edna Rodgers.

Buddy attended St Mary's Grade School and was a 1960 graduate of St Mary's High School. He became certified in numerous training courses for management, service and sales as well as the Dale Carnegie Sales Course. He grew up spending time in the Jemez Mountains learning from "adopted" grandparents Ma (Ivy) and Pa (Lawrence) Wahl and working at their Rest-A-While cabins.  As a young adult Buddy worked for the U.S Forest Service.  He went on to work for Pierce Engineering, and Central New Mexico Equipment.  He became manager of Western Auto located on Bridge St in the south valley, where he noticed a beautiful young lady that worked across the parking lot at TG&Y, he said "I knew I had to meet that girl".  Buddy and JoAnn would be blessed with 56 ½ years of marriage until Jo Ann's passing November 29, 2019.

Buddy also worked for Electric Supply, Firestone Tire Company, Wilger Tire, Central New Mexico Tire, A – B Tire, Pepper Sales and Service, Highland Tire, and then retired from Saturn.

He served as a Board Member of the Albuquerque Square Dance Club, was a member of St Anne's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and Sons of the American Legion.  Buddy also supported his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in their endeavors with Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, YAFL, AYSO, other sports teams, bands, theatre and other activities, just to name a few.  He loved to fish, garden and meet new people.  Buddy had numerous acquaintances and friends through his work and social networks. There were few places he went that he didn't see someone he had previously crossed paths with.  It wasn't unusual for him to make a new connection if there wasn't someone he already knew. He was a friend to everyone that was fortunate enough to know him.

Celebration of Life Service will be held September 4, 2022 at the American Legion Post 13, 1201 Mountain RD NE(Shown as Legion RD on the street sign), Albuquerque, NM from 2 – 5 p.m.

*Use the Lomas Blvd Exit.  Legion RD NE is on the north side of Lomas and is in between I-25 and University Blvd.