James LeRoy Roeder

0

AUBURN, CALIF.

James LeRoy Roeder passed away peacefully on August 31, 2021 after a long, hard fought, and courageous battle with cancer. He was 77 years-old.

Jim was born in Seymour, Indiana on April 23, 1944. He was the firstborn son of John and Eva Roeder. He attended Immanuel Lutheran grade school in Seymour, Indiana, where he graduated as class valedictorian.

He would graduate from Seymour Senior High School in 1962. While in high school he earned nine varsity letters in football, basketball, and track. He earned the honors of “Most Outstanding Athlete” in 1962, and “Most Outstanding Male Senior” in 1961 and 1962. Jim also won the South Central Academic Achievement Award in 1961. In basketball he was elected to the All-Regional and All-Semi State teams. He track he won the conference championship in 1962 for broad jump. His coaches nicknamed him “Cody” for his fast running ability. The nickname stayed with him throughout his life.

After graduating from high school he attended Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana where he received a four-year athletic/academic scholarship. He was named the “Most Outstanding Defensive Player” for football in 1965. He was also a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity.

In 1965 Jim married Babs Bailey, his high school sweetheart and the love of his life. They had a successful marriage for over 56 years. He attended the M. B. A. program at Indiana University after graduating from Wabash. In 1968 their daughter, Lisa, was born and in 1969 the three of them moved to Auburn, California for a new job adventure with Arvin Industries. In 1971 their son, Brad, was born. In 1972 Jim embarked on a very successful business and legal career.

While living in Auburn he was involved in Auburn Youth Soccer, Auburn Swim Team, and Auburn Little League Baseball, where he served as president in these organizations.

He graduated from McGeorge Law School in Sacramento, California in 1976. He practiced law as a private attorney until 1985, when he was appointed by Gov. Dukemejian to the Placer County Superior Court. He served in that capacity until 2005 when he retired from the law.

Upon retirement he went back to his roots and passion for being around his horses and cattle in the Sierra Valley. Spending time in the saddle and time at the family cabin was where he was the happiest. When he retired he started the Roeder Cattle Company, which he continued to operate and enjoy until his death. Jim was involved in the PRCA, Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association, as chairman of the National Grievance Review Committee in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

In 2019 he established the Roeder Athletic/Academic Scholarship at Trinity Lutheran High School in Seymour, Indiana. He was a man of character, steadfast faith in God, a strong work ethic, wisdom, and a crushing handshake that would bring you to your knees.

Jim is survived by his wife, Babs, daughter Lisa (Caine), son Brad (Keri), granddaughters Elizabeth Sussman and Makenzee Roeder. He is also survived by his brother Max (Connie), and nephews Scott, Jason, and Brett Roeder along with their wives and children.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Plumas Sierra Cattlemen’s Association P. O. Box 693 Loyalton, CA 96118 or Hospice of the Foothills 11270 Rough and Ready Hwy. Grass Valley, CA. 95945 or Jim and Babs Roeder Academic/Athletic Scholarship at Trinity Lutheran High School 7120 N. Co. Rd. 875 E. Seymour, Indiana 47274.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 11:00 at SpringHill Suites by Marriott 13535 Bowman Road Auburn, CA 95603.

No posts to display