Police Chief James Earl Rodgers, Sr.

Retired Pottstown Police Chief James Earl Rodgers of Pottstown passed away peacefully on April 9, 2024, in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Born in Williamston, North Carolina on September 9, 1934, to the late Violetta Leola (Biggs) and Osborn Rodgers, he was the oldest of four children.  He relocated with his family to Pottstown, Pa on September 1, 1947.  Jim or Earl as he was called by many was educated in the North Carolina and Pottstown School System and graduated from Pottstown High School in 1953. While in high school, he was on the track team and captain of the cross-country team, as well as a member of the choir and playing the tuba in the band. He accepted the Lord at an early age at the Second Baptist Church located in Pottstown, Pa.  Later, he went on to earn an associate degree in the Administration of Justice and Community Service from the Pennsylvania State University in 1975. In 1981 he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in the Administration of Justice also from the Pennsylvania State University.

In 1954 he joined the United States Air Force where he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant within the U.S. Air Force Training Command. He later served at bases in New York, New Mexico, Washington DC, and Wyoming.  During his military career which spanned from 1954 to 1958 (active) he was tasked with the training of maintenance and support crews for those assigned to Lockheed U-2 spy planes.  He later served in the reserves from 1958 to 1962.

After serving his country Jim was Pottstown’s police chief from 1974 to 1991, after serving for five years as a sergeant and one year as the captain of the force.
As a part of his law enforcement training, he achieved the rank of expert marksman. As Chief, he created several lasting and impactful initiatives.  He instituted a Crisis Intervention Service, a Crime Prevention Unit, and a Police Award Program. He was instrumental in the development of a cooperative instructional program between the police department and local school districts. Chief Rodgers also created an honor guard within the Pottstown Police Department to represent the Borough of Pottstown. He is credited with updating and utilizing the latest computer technology and police communications system of its time. Himself a recipient of the department’s medal of valor award, Rodgers also received recognition from the International Police Chiefs Association, the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Organization of Black Law Executives, the Jewish War Veterans and a United States Navy recruiting award, as well as numerous other community and national law enforcement honors.

Upon retiring and ending his career in law enforcement, he acted on his passion to help others by establishing the Interfaith Community Development Corporation.  The goal of this organization was to assist low income and families in need with securing affordable housing.  This included the building of new property, the rehabilitation of existing properties, and courses on credit, borrowing, and overall financial literacy. He spent 6 years with ICDC. For the last nearly 10 years of his professional career Earl was employed by the Vanguard Group in Malvern PA.

In June 1987 while participation in an Appalachian Wagon Train event he met his wife of nearly 35 years Alta (Unzicker) Rodgers.   There was an instantaneous attraction and they later married on July 22, 1989. There was a miniature Conestoga wagon on top of their wedding cake. Together they loved adventure, especially if it came in the form of travel or motorcycles. They shared a deep love for the mountains, cowboys, and all things about the West.   They traveled together nearly every summer to Colorado and or Wyoming with their pickup truck and camper in tow. They especially enjoyed going to the annual Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. While Jim loved the beauty of the mountains, he did not enjoy driving on the high switchback roads as much as Alta did. They spent many hours driving around Pottstown and beyond together on his motorcycle which in later years was converted into a trike. They were very proud of the parades Jim would lead in Pottstown, first on his horse and later his motorcycle. He enjoyed participating in the annual Christmas in July toy drive ride in Philadelphia. Together, they held all these moments close to their hearts and after they were no longer able to travel or ride, enjoyed looking at photo albums and laughing as they remembered all of their adventures.

Jim was passionate about his family and would travel to visit them whenever he was able.

He was also active within his local community and would willingly lend his time and resources as requested. His contentment came from helping others and providing help, care, and support for all he knew and loved.

He is survived by, Alta , his wife; One daughter, Carmelia Lynn wife of George Williams, Naperville, IL, and four sons, Don Jose Henderson Sr, wife Bertha Henderson, Pottstown; James Earl Rodgers Jr, Pottstown, Vernon Eric Rodgers, Pottstown, and Timothy Rodgers, wife Barbara Rodgers of Havre De Grace Maryland.  Earl is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren: one brother, Warner Baxter Rodgers husband of Michele of Philadelphia and one sister, Mary Malissa (Rodgers) Bradshaw of Pottstown. Earl also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other family and many friends. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, April 22, 2024 at 11am with a viewing from 9-11AM at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 240 Mintzer St, Pottstown, PA. Interment will be at the Second Baptist Church Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers the family requests donations are made to the Mt. Olive Baptist Church. Uplifting Life services are being provided by the Ervina White Beauford Funeral Service, P.C. Pottstown, PA 19464, www.ewbfunerals.com. 610.327.4546.  The funeral service will be live streamed by Mt Olive Baptist Church at www.mobcpottstown.org

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