James Rynard Rogers, 80, of Hoxie, Kansas, passed away on December 12, 2025, at the Hoxie Long-Term Care facility after a courageous nine-month battle with leukemia. He was born on April 15, 1945, in Colby, Kansas, and spent his entire childhood in Hoxie. Jim lived a life defined by faith, hard work, family, and community.
Jim was a loyal husband to his wife, Marilyn, a devoted father to his children, Brent and Brooke, and a proud grandfather to his three beloved granddaughters, Paiton, Kinley, and Quinlynn. A man of deep Catholic faith, Jim lived his beliefs daily and instilled in his children the importance of being prepared, planning for the future, and doing what is right.
Jim and Marilyn were united in marriage on June 18, 1966. Following their graduations from Fort Hays State University, they began their married lives in Quinter, Kansas, where both taught school- Jim as an industrial arts teacher and Marilyn teaching in elementary school. In the early 1970s, they returned to their Hoxie roots, where both Jim & Marilyn became deeply involved in the community. A devoted member of St Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Jim also belonged to the Knights of Columbus and served for many years on the church finance council. He was an active member of the Hoxie Elks Lodge and proudly served as Exalted Ruler for several years.
Known for his incredible work ethic, Jim built and ran a successful business from the ground up. Along with his business partner, Dick Sterrett, he took a leap of faith in starting Sunflower Chemical in 1974. Jim continued to grow the business for many years until selling it and retiring in 2006. He was respected not only for his drive and dedication—rarely ever missing a day at the office—but also for the way he treated people. His employees were like family, and he was a friendly, generous presence in the community.
Jim was funny, witty, and known for his quirky sense of humor that brought smiles to those around him. An avid outdoorsman, he loved hunting, especially goose hunting in Canada. After retirement, he enjoyed golfing with friends, additional hunting trips, and traveling with Marilyn to the beaches of Maui, the Colorado mountains, and many other destinations over the years.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Rod and Gladys Rogers; his sister, Kathy; and his wife, Marilyn (Treu) Rogers whom he lost suddenly in February of this year.
He is survived by his son, Brent Rogers, and his wife, Jodi, of Hoxie, Kansas; his daughter, Brooke Hill, of Aurora, Colorado; and his three cherished granddaughters, Paiton Rogers, Kinley Rogers, and Quinlynn Hill.
A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 10:30 am at St Frances Cabrini Church, Hoxie, Kansas. Visitation will take place on Thursday, December 18 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, with family present from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm to receive friends. The vigil and rosary service will follow the visitation at 7:00 pm. Memorial donations can be made to Sheridan County Community Foundation to be added to The Rogers Family Fund with funds received in Jim’s memory to be eternally granted to the St Frances Cabrini Church