Posted on August 8, 2013 at 11:35 AM by Global Reach
Jim served on the Cass County fair board beginning in the early 1990’s, retiring a couple of years ago. During his years of service, he volunteered in many capacities, but really put his heart and hard work into one big entity – the Cass County Fair 4-H food stand. As many county residents know, the food stand is the financial backbone of the Cass County 4-H and FFA Fair.
Jim served under a fantastic mentor, Ray McDermott, learning “the ropes” of the operation of the food stand. In 2003, Ray suffered a heart attack shortly before the fair, and Jim was able to step in and manage another successful 4-H food stand in Ray’s absence.
Jim took over as chair of the food stand committee in 2006, continuing on after retiring from the fair board, until 2012. Many years Jim was there turning on the lights and opening the doors each morning, still there to shut the lights off and lock the doors after the last volunteer left; only to repeat the process again in a few hours.
His wife Patty spent many years helping in the food stand, pitching in when any of the volunteer staff had family emergencies and was always there when an extra hand was needed. Patty was also a valuable member of the Cass County Youth Action Committee.
Patty and Jim were active Cass County 4-H members, participating in many projects and activities, having many great memories of their own 4-H experiences.
4-H is a family tradition for the Rogers family. Patty and Jim were there to encourage and support their children, Matt and Bethany, in their various 4-H activities, helping with their projects as needed, and assisting at club events and county fair.
Jim and Patty have been wonderful assets to the Cass County 4-H program and most certainly earned the honor to be inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. They demonstrate the true 4-H spirit in volunteerism, mentoring, friendship and being a long time 4-H supporter and 4-H family. Both continue to be active in their work, community and church activities in Cass County
Categories: Cass
