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James accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Red Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Tupelo, MS, where he remained a dedicated servant.

‘And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.’ ~ Revelation 21:4

James Oneal Rogers was born June 28, 1939, to Lucious “Bully” Rogers and Margaret King Rogers. He was later reared in the home with his mother and Jeffie Kelley Sr. He made his transition from this earthly house to his heavenly home on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Mississippi, after a brief illness, surrounded by his loved ones.

James accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Red Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Tupelo, MS, where he remained a dedicated servant. He served faithfully as a deacon for over fifty years, member of the choir, Sunday School Superintendent, Benevolent Treasurer, Brotherhood Ministry and supported the Missionary Auxiliary. He attended Plantersville Colored School in Plantersville, MS.

He was married to Saddie M. Cummings Rogers and to this union two children were born. He was employed at Leake and Goodlett, Purnell Pride, and many years at Super Sagless where he retired. He didn’t stop working but started to work at Tupelo Public Schools Transportation Department for several years.

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He was a gifted singer who also sang with The Golden Echoes and Sensational Starlites.

James had a love for gospel music and quartet singing. He was a gifted singer who also sang with The Golden Echoes and Sensational Starlites. He was an avid sports fan, loved watching game shows, enjoyed playing bingo, and took pride in his lawn mowing.

He was preceded in death by a son James Steven Rogers; his parents, Lucious “Bully” Rogers and Margaret King Rogers Kelley; grandparents: Neal and Lizzie King; four sisters: Bobbie Sue Kelley, Mary Jones, Eva Jean Metcalf and Hattie Payne; and two brothers: Richard and Terry Rogers.

His memories will be forever cherished by his son, Darrell Rogers of Plantersville, MS; special friend, Helen Gladney of Tupelo, MS; bonus daughter, Corgey Gladney of Nashville, TN; sisters: Jessie Kelly Traylor and Virga Carter both of Grand Rapids, MI, Maxine Rosebud (Billy), Nadine Hodges (Starling), Grace Rogers and Venita Kelley all of Tupelo, MS, Lola Shumpert and Denise Peggen (Tyrone) both of Plantersville, MS, Ruby Trice(Prentiss) and Betty McCoy both of Shannon, MS, Alfanette Vaughn and Wanda K. Gray both of Tupelo, MS; brothers: Charlie McCoy (Rosalyn) and John McCoy (Pamela) both of Tupelo, MS, William Kelley and Jeffie Kelley Jr. both of Grand Rapids, MI; grandchildren: Reno Hall, Antonio Foster, Tia Williams, Keith Rogers, Kelsey Rogers, Demetria Bogan, and Akouri Vaughn ; six great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.