Jim Rogers 1957

Shin Umeda: Jim was one of the big guns on the PenVelo team when I joined in 1981. He was such a mild-mannered, nice guy that I was amazed at his aggressive and attacking racing style. That style paid off--Jim always seemed to be in breaks and often in the ones that produced the race winner. I used to think, this guy is dedicated to cycling, driving all the way from Nevada City to all those dinky races all around NorCal.
I didn't see Jim for many years, but when I started racing Masters 45 races five or six years ago, I got the chance to reconnect with him a few times a year. Jim wasn't as committed to bike racing as back in the day, but it was obvious to me that his priority was his family. He often mentioned that he could ride the race and still have time to head home and spend time with his family. Jim, I will miss you.

Tom Simpson ('80's teammate): Jim came with me on our first trip to the Tour of the Okanagen Valley in the early '80's with Keith Vierra, Dave Leskovsky, and Bill Robertson - he won! The satisfaction of winning the stereo system that the eventual 2nd place guy was drooling over before the final stage was dynamite - but then Jim had to carry the dratted thing home on the plane.
Jim was a member of PA Bikes at that time. This trip helped lure him onto our team for the next couple of seasons when he was one of NorCal's premiere road racers and TT specialists. We all went back to Okanagen the next year, but the defending champ (Jim) had a cold when we left SFO and the pressure change inside the plane when we descended into Vancouver airport knocked him out of the race - his ears were killing him. We rented a big van to carry all of us and bikes to/from Vancouver and 1 poor schmuck had to avoid the celebrations that evening because he had to drive (yup - me). But the boys and girl REALLY stacked our table with a pyramid of empty Molsons - very impressive. I'm sure we're still 86'ed from that Canadian Legion Hall.
I've only seen and spoken with Jim a few times in the last 10 years at various races but that Pen Velo '80's team has always remained very special in my book, primarily from the lasting impressions made by guys like Jim. Fritz mentioned our non-stop record attempt from SF-LA City Halls and I've got some categorically "Jim" pictures from that episode. From Becky (team cook Okanagen, team support SF-LA) and I, an enormous "Sigh" and a "Damnation" to whatever Gods let this happen.

Fritz Knochenhauer ('80's teammate): Tom, thanks for reminding me about that trip to Penticton, B.C. I recall Jim in agony on the airplane as a kind stewardess provided hot paper towels in styrofoam cups for Jim to pack on his ears. He was sick as a dog, yet he rode the whole stage race (a time trial, two 100+ mile road stages and the final criterium), even the morning that Mount St. Helens blew and other riders bailed due to the falling ash. I believe Olympian Steve Bauer won the event, showing the level of competition that year.
Lord, the memories that this has provoked. Jim would be embarrassed by all the attention and fuss, yet he, of all riders I met, deserves special recognition.

Jim at 1977 Nevada City Classic

Alan Ott and Jennifer DiFrancesco (buddy):
    I'm still in a shock to lose such a close friend.   Jim and I first met in Santa Cruz during a stage race in 1979. After two years of seeing each other at all the Nor Cal races we often hung out and shared many laughs.   We had a way of clicking together and extracting the most possible fun out of an otherwise serious sport.
     I had the honor of speaking at Jim and Carolyn's wedding. In all these years Jim was the friend who would remember birthdays and keep in touch. Though we lived in separate states we stayed in touch and would meet up at least once a year.
     The most important legacy of Jim's that I will hold near and dear is his continuous positive attitude and kindness. On the bike, Jim seemed to have an innate ability to fly up hills, but he always was patient and gracious even if he had to wait a moment (ok maybe several moments). He was such a talented guy and he always kept it low-key. Above all he kept the gift of laughter going even in the face of challenge.
    Our thoughts are with Carolyn, Gina, Nate, and all of Jim's family. We will always remember you Jim.

Mark G. Weir (childhood friend, race buddy): I first met Jim while we were in elementary school in Nevada City. Somehow while at 7-Hills Jr High, Jim, Ron Miller and I mutually acquired an affinity for 10-speeds and a particular high profile bike race -- the Tour of Nevada City -- dominated by local favorite Don Davis. The three of us were in awe of his blue MASI and its super record set.
     Ron's parents, both outstanding teachers at NUHS, started a home cycling business and it wasn't long until the three of us had orange Stellas with a full super record group. Boy, were we happy. So it was natural for the Millers and the Rogers to combine forces and create the Tour of Nevada City Bike Shop. It opened its doors in an old converted home on Coyote Street w/ Jim and Ron at the helm. I was honored to frequently participate in the adventure.
     As juniors in the then ABL of A, we raced all over Northern California with Allen Rogers driving us and our gear everywhere. Thank you Allen, that was really a terrific period. But I spent most of my time with Jim when we were on our frequent training jaunts on the highways around Nevada County. I know we used to hold our breath every time a logging truck would go by. It was amazing. And yeah, I was always disappointed when he wanted to do a training ride solo. I think he saved his solo days for those times when he just wanted to be mellow and enjoy the ride.
     Even after I moved to So Cal, Jim would come down for some of our events. I recall one day we were just tooling about Redondo Beach and he thought I was crazy for riding a fixed gear on the street. Boy have times changed! From So Cal we ventured to Arizona for a few criteriums in Phoenix. Jim raced all over the place and always performed at a very high level. I loved it when he would come down and I could have my ol' friend back. Oops, did he outperform me in the event? Yeah, but it was so worth it!
     I think it was about this time when he told me of Ron's death. I'll never forget his words concerning Ron's skin cancer. "It went berserk." He was crushed to lose him. That's the type of person Jim was. It wasn't about him, but his family and friends.
   I hope Jim's family can take some comfort in knowing that he had a happy life and was enormously successful where it counts: family and friends. Good bye my dear friend, I love you. -Mark Weir.

Mark Fennell: I was a 16-year-old fledgling bike racer when I first became aware of Jim Rogers, probably around 1977. He was one of the best in Northern California at the time, and one of my heroes. I was thrilled when my coach Bill Winkler (also from the Nevada City area) introduced me to Jim. I saw him often at the Wednesday night training criteriums in Sacramento and I remember him always smiling and having a kind word for an inexperienced racer (me). I have very fond memories from those times, and Jim was a part of that. I'm really sorry for all his family, friends, and the cycling community at large. A real loss.
I took the above picture of Jim as he rode in the Senior (Elite) Road Race National Championships. I have no idea of his result that day, but I do remember one funny story. The junior race had just finished, and Greg LeMond had been beaten in a sprint by Jeff Bradley. Jim and a few others were standing near Greg when he ripped off his numbers and threw them in a garbage can with disgust at getting 2nd place. (Greg had worn the #1 indicating he was the reigning champ entering the race.) Jim cracked a little smile and went over and dug those numbers out of the garbage. I wonder if he kept them all these years.

Jim Delwiche (ride buddy): Jimmy was the rider who always made the ride better. I was always happy when he showed up. He had a love of cycling that endured. Jimmy would always be friendly, and make a point of chatting with the new rider in the group, or the out-of-towner who showed up.

Jim was gracious when he was fast, and apologetic when he was slow. He was ready to offer a wheel to follow when I was feeling wrung out, but he was always up for challenging himself or others, when we were feeling fit. No matter how I tried, it seems like I could never get around him at the 'stop ahead sign' sprints. Jim would line up for races even when he knew he was not going to win it. The next ride after a race weekend, I always enjoyed his descriptions of the mishaps and the victories.

He told me last Wednesday that he didn't pay that much attention to the equipment, and it would take him a couple of rides to notice the new bike. He was more interested in the rider.

Jimmy-- go on ahead. You don't need to wait for me. Jim Delwiche

Steve Gradhandt (Class of 1980's): I wanted to pass along my sincere sadness at Jim's passing--a real great guy whom I rode with many moons ago. A local legend to be sure. A guy who welcomed all riders including those so much slower--always a good word and encouragement from him. So very sad.. ride in peace Jim!

John Gardiner (ride buddy):    Each year, Jim arranged the cyclist's holiday party at the Odd Fellows Hall in Nevada City, a group he belonged to. This event brought the entire cycling community together in a way nothing else did. Each year, I would see him there, smiling and always asking how I was in his honest, earnest way. When Jim looked you in the eye and grinned, you felt his kind soul.
     Above all else, Jim was a terrifically nice guy. Every time I saw and met up with him on rides and events, he always struck me as an extremely thoughtful and down to earth person. There are not enough Jim Rodgers in this world, people who will engage with you without any pretense or phoniness (yes Holden Caulfield is on my mind too), care about what you have to say and have the means of expressing this compassion.
     Years ago, Jim broke his GT road rig and while it was out on warranty repair, he would show up at group rides with his beat, ancient seven speed mountain bike. I remember chatting with Galen about this. If it were me, I would have been kinda embarrassed to show up with all the other fancy riders and their fancy bikes on this rig. I would be self conscious and self absorbed. But that is just it: Jim didn't care. He was a better man than me. All he cared about was the experience of riding with friends and his passion for cycling. The rest to him was just irrelevant. He was entirely real, entirely honest.
     There is nothing fair or acceptable about this tragedy, though in time of course we will all move through this. If you are angry, I suggest turning that energy to productive endeavors. In the end, complaining amongst ourselves about our local newspaper, crazy drivers and bad attitudes does not do much. Maybe we can honor Jim by working a bit harder to help change cycling conditions and infrastructure around here. I don't know this for sure, but I imagine that this would please Jim immensely.

Chuck Ross (friend): Jim was the guy to always greet you with a smile, no matter where you were. He had an infectious smile that just warmed your heart...genuine, he was always glad to see you.
Chuck has posted his thoughts and an image at http://racincross.blogspot.com/.

Fritz Knochenhauer ('80's teammate): I have very fond memories of Jim Rogers, both as a loyal teammate and a wonderful person. I was honored to be Jim's teammate when he rode for Peninsula Velo in 1980 and 1981. His mentoring and consistent helpful attitude epitomized the "good guy" in him even though he was a NorCal ITT champion and Olympic Team alternate.
Jim was always "at-the-ready" during a race to assist, lead out or provide meaningful advice. He was incredibly patient, amazingly fast and had a funny spirit. I still remember a picture of him next to me climbing the crest of Cat's Hill. He looked tenacious, his tongue hanging out and those eyes gleaming with anticipation of the next attack. He was a champion in every sense of the word. I'll be sure to look him up when I get to the other side. - In profound sadness, Fritz

Rick Kalb (friend, current teammate): I will always remember my first few times doing the Saturday ride, scared to death that I could not keep up or that I would do something stupid (which I'm sure I did). Jim was the fast guy who beat all of us up the hills but had the big heart and the class, making sure the new slow guy (me) was ok and having fun. I remember talking to Mark Williams about this and he said that in Europe it's an unspoken rule that the best rider has the job to make sure the slowest riders are ok. Jim embodied this and was the best ambassador of bicycling riding and racing that I can think of.

David Barrett (friend, current teammate): Jim Rogers was my friend, racing mentor, and teammate long before we had a team. I have spent countless hours over many years with Jim, both training and driving to races together. There are so many wonderful memories to choose from but one stands out that I believe shows just who Jim Rogers was.
It was a sweltering hot summer day back in 1999. Jim and I decided to extend one of the Saturday morning group rides out to Pike. As we rolled into the Pike fire station to fill our bottles it was clear that I was in trouble from a combo of heat exhaustion and low sugar. We drank from the station hose, filled our bottles then descended back down to highway 49. The climb to North San Juan was pure hell with my vision getting blurry and all energy gone, but Jim rallied me on to the goal of food and drink at the gas station ahead. There he sat with me as we pondered the last leg into Nevada City while refueling. Well, all that fuel only got me as far as the South Yuba bridge and I was destroyed. Jim took over with a superhuman effort to literally push me, with his hand on my back, all the way up to the Willow Restaurant. He completely gave all of himself that day to get a buddy to the finish. That's who Jim was, someone who always put others before himself and wanted to see others succeed. I will always love my friend Jim.

Jamie Willin (The Olympic Club Cycling Team): I am shocked and saddened to hear of Jim's passing. I would see Jim at the races, and I always liked his low key approach to the sport he loved. He was the kind of guy I would be more than happy to give a leadout to, because I knew he would do the same. I will miss seeing Jim's smiling face at the starting line. He will be greatly missed!

Chris McGovern (friend): A dear friend of mine was struck by a vehicle from behind while riding his bicycle and was killed. Jim, Jimmy, Rogers was that friend. I have known Jim for 25 years and owe him so much. Jim showed me many things about riding a bike. The way Jim sat "in" the bike always left me marveling; pure, powerful, steady and beautiful, that was Jim on a bike. How lucky was I as a jr. cyclist to get to ride around with Jim and be nurtured along. Jim also showed me how to be calm on a bike. Whether it was getting really tough and your body was about to implode, or a car just threw trash on you as they passed...Jim remained calm. I can't believe Jim is not with us anymore. What a loss... what pain. I hope the Rogers and the cycling community will absorb this tragedy and go on to live strong, full and loving lives.
     Since Sunday, I have been wrecked. Before I even knew it was Jim, I was beside myself, questioning the "why". Why do cars have no respect for others, why do we take this risk of riding on the roads? Why do these things happen?
     These questions have led me to a few conclusions. No matter what happens in life, you must pursue life. There is no point in living a life chasing your tail, going to work, just to pay bills. Ride your bike, Learn Spanish, travel the world, go swing dancing, do everything you can. You only get one shot at this life, find love and cherish it.
     Jim, thanks you for being you. I hope you are riding some silky ribbon of tarmac my friend. Thank you. Ride in Peace.

Matt Wittler: Tonight has been rough. Memories of those loved and lost. Enjoyed those high times, and the low. My prayers tonight go out to the Rogers family. Jim was a mate we will never forget. Ride Jimmy, Ride.

Dan Brown: I remember how nice it was to see Jim at the Boca races. He would seek me out to say hello. I will increase my efforts to spend time with people and love...to live like Jim lived. I know that Jim is in another place. A place where he is happy and where all of us will see him again. He has probably already gone on a great ride with Ron (Miller).
DAILY WORD Saturday, December 12, 2009, Comfort
Those of us who have experienced the passing of a loved one may continue to find joy, even through our grief, by rejoicing in a life Well-Lived! When I remember a beloved relative or friend, I rejoice in the many lives they touched. Each life touched leaves a legacy for generations to come. I rejoice in the memories of my dear one---the talks and bike rides we shared, the special days we spent together. As I reflect on the impact my loved one continues to have on my life, I am conscious that the grief I am experiencing is for myself and others who remain in this world. My loved one knows no suffering or pain, but only eternal joy.
Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice: you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy. --John 16:20

Patrick Nicholls (riding buddy): My mind has been filled with thoughts of Jim since I heard about the accident. I had the privilege of traveling to many races car-pooling with Jim - those will always be cherished memories. I remember most his great sense of humor (he made us listen to a CD of a farting competition once – it was outstanding), the love he showed for cycling, his family, and his friends, and his absolute willingness to put the needs of someone else before his own.
I saw Jim for the last time this last summer while I was riding down lower Colfax – he was going the other way and turned around to ride with me (and that was TOTALLY Jim, changing direction to go my way, changing his plans to accommodate mine). I don’t think I have ever met somebody who was so authentically nice, so totally selfless, or so enjoyable to be around. As I have thought about and remembered Jim, I have personally been challenged by the legacy he leaves - I am often not very much like Jim at all. Jim was one of a kind, and I will miss him very much.

Craig Lindberg (friend, current teammate):   I've learned so much about Jim these past few days. He wouldn't tell you about all the fantastic things he'd done unless you pulled it out of him with a crowbar. Perhaps Jim is teaching me that I should listen more and speak less.
     I remember talking to him about doing the Nevada City Classic before the race a few years back. I was worried that I was going to get lapped as my fitness was, well, questionable. Jim said in a way that only he could that, "Craig, you really shouldn't worry about it. If they try to pull you, just stay in anyway." Then he grinned, "That's what I do." Jim could do that because he owned that race. Who else had done it more then Jim? Nobody.
     We all know Jim had a heart of gold. We felt better when he was around. He was, well, Santa Claus.

Darwin S. Leek (friend, SEBC president): Jim was a gentleman's, gentleman. He was one of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet.

Michael Melas (Longtime Friend): I met Jimmy when we were both volunteering in Mrs. Keeswetter's Kindergarden class at NCE. He was easily noticeable, he was the only other dad. Our kids became involved in the same scouting group (CAPE kids) and we got to know each other more through that club. I had just gotten into road riding and was talking to him about riding. He told me he liked to ride too and asked me to join him in a group lunch ride from Stan's office, because "it was safer than riding alone". I had already known him a while when I joined the group ride, but had no idea the legend he was or how strong a rider he was. I quickly found out after seeing him ride and talking to other people on the ride. On that same ride he came around the back of the pack (which is where I was) and literally pushed me to the corner Bitney Springs and Rough & Ready Hwy. He rode with me the rest of the way and encouraged me to keep riding with them. His passion for cycling was infectious.
For the last 6 to 7 years we've been riding at lunch on Mon. and/or Wed. He's always telling stories about races or rides as if they were happening for the first time. It was always fun and fresh for him. He was always calming us down when we lost our temper at some motorist who had buzzed us, honked at us, or yelled explicitives at us as they drove by. He was a great man! He never said an unkind word about anybody. I will memorialize him by making a conscious effort to be more like him on rides and not "let the jerks bring me down".
I feel fortunate and priviledged to have known him and ridden with him. I will miss him very much.

Kurt Stephens: I moved to Nevada City around 15 years ago after having spent 6 or so years earlier driving up, hanging at the Yuba and watching the Nevada City Classic. I was first shown the area by friends from Santa Cruz who had in turn initially been shown by Jimmy himself. It was a couple of years after I had moved to Nevada City that I first met Jim. He'd always wave when I'd be riding by in the opposite direction, that sweet, simple but oh so genuine smile, making a newcomer feel pretty dang good.
After a time, I began working at the Tour of Nevada City Bicycle Shop, where I then met Jim officially. Turns out we knew some of the same people from year's past, only I was just a cyclist whereas he was pretty much an icon. He'd come in with his son Nate after picking him from school, just so they could look at bike stuff.
Time passed, Jim rode, I rode too, and he was always at the ready with a helping hand, word of encouragement or some light conversation. The perennial keeper of the Smiley Face jersey, Jimmy could be the strongest rider out, but would gladly help any who needed it, whether with a flat, a wheel to follow, or a hand to push. I can't quite believe there could be someone as kind, as real and as true as Jim was. Even now, as we all feel this heavy, it's easy to imagine how Jimmy would act, how he might respond to such tragedy. If I could grow to have a tenth the character Jim possessed, then I know I would have lived life right. Ride long Jim, ride that sunny tarmac...

Rick Humphreys: Jim and I raced for different teams during the late 1970's, early 1980's until I retired in 1984. I got to know him as a fine competitor and genuinely nice guy during road races and criteriums throughout Northern California. My fondest memories of racing with Jim are of our perennial battles for 10th or so place during the Nevada City Classic's LeMond and Powers years. Invariably, we finished neck and neck but wouldn't even get picked as finishing. We would then cajole the officials about our finishes (yes we did) and settle for 14th or so place (still in the money) whiles sipping beer provided by gracious spectators.
I ran into Jim again when we both started racing Masters and always enjoyed catching up on the local Nevada City news as he was my cousin's neighbor. I'll miss Jim and treasure memories of him.

Arthur Fellows: I came to the Nevada County road scene late, probably 2003. I meet Jim at the Saturday Longs ride and, has been said here numerous times, he was always the guy with the right words to say when you were struggling up that last hill, (or maybe the first). I had the privilege of riding and occasionally racing with him more times than I can count. I always felt a sense of comfort when he joined the rides. It's hard to really explain, but it was like he "had your back". He was always willing to jump into a pace line with you or caution you to wait when that highway crossing was looking just a bit too close for comfort.
I suppose the most significant thing to come out of these past few days was that I never knew any of these things about Jim's early racing success, and that says so much about who Jim was, It was absolutely not about any of that for Jim. He just absolutely, flat, loved to ride and, although that's something we can all relate to, Jim just exuded it.
I have given a lot of thought to last Sunday, but the thing that sticks is that Jim died while doing something that he truly loved, even the place where it happened (I assume he was climbing from the river to the old road) is a great place to be, to have just come down that bracing descent and crossed the river. There's only the one switchback on 174 before the turn off and you still have the momentum of the descent on your side, and it's a great feeling to be climbing like that, with that momentum, you feel strong and alive! I've been in that situation with Jim and, if you steal a look his way, you can be sure he'd be smiling ear to ear. That's how I will remember Jim!

Laura Caruthers (Friend): I’d known Jim, his sisters and his folks since our family moved here in 1975. I was lucky enough to accompany him to many races and events around NorCal including some of those Wednesday night rides in the Cal Expo parking lot that Mark (Weir) mentioned. Jim always worked so hard to develop his natural talent and skill but it was all fun to him. He would always patiently explain the sport to me so that I could enjoy it on some level. He just wanted everyone to understand that riding was a joy, not a job. I was always envious of Jim that he had discovered his passion in life at such a young age. Riding, family and friends were Jim’s world and we were all fortunate to be in it. The last time I ran into Jim it just happened that his sister Carolyn was with him and my brother was with me (both visiting from out of town). It seemed fitting that we would all be together again and, of course, Jim was asking after everyone else-not talking about himself. You had to drag that out of him-but ask about his wife and kids and you’d proudly get a story of their latest accomplishments.
Jim’s kindness and talent are legendary and his smile and warmth will be missed by friends and family too numerous to count. A loss so great is difficult to comprehend but trying to embody some of Jim’s qualities would be a fitting tribute to such an amazing person. It doesn’t surprise me one bit to see all the stories of Jim’s thoughtfulness, strength and love come out-that was just how he was. My thoughts go out to Jim’s entire family and try to take some comfort in how much he loved you all. I will miss him.

Jim Rogers 1957 - 2010