GREENWOOD
James Lee Rodocker, age 79, of Indianapolis passed on Saturday, March 30, 2024.
Jim was born on April 20, 1944 and is preceded in death by his parents Lloyd Lee and Catharine Louise
(Heaton) Rodocker.
Jim is survived by his wife Brenda Sue (Himelick) Rodocker; children Lori Ann Shelley (Kevin) and Jason
Lee Rodocker (Lisa); grandchildren Austin Shelley, Dylan Shelley, Caleb Rodocker, and Jill Rodocker; and
sister Elaine Jenkins (Doug).
Jim started school in Plainfield and then attended Fleming Garden Elementary and Maple Grove
Elementary in Indianapolis. His first job was delivering newspapers in the Drexel Garden area and he
later worked at Simpson’s Garage service station. Jim participated in basketball, won a state medal in
cross country, and was active with the West Washington Street Methodist Church youth group.
Jim graduated from Ben Davis High School in 1963. He served in the US Army Reserves Co A972nd Engr
Bn and was later a longtime member of American Legion Post 103 in Mooresville.
Jim and Brenda met at the Pole in 1966 and were married the following year on October 21, 1967,
beginning 56 years of marriage. They drove his Corvette to California and back in 1971 before settling
down to raise Lori and Jason in Avon.
Jim loved all things cars from washing and detailing to buying and selling at the auction for the used car
lot he owned. He was fond of reminding children and grandchildren to change their oil and encouraging
them to live out his dream of owning a tire store.
Jim loved horses and owned several thoroughbreds throughout the years. He enjoyed the race track
and gambling; an occasional Bloody Mary; and always a party – especially the dancing. Family get
togethers were important to him with every birthday involving a pineapple upside down cake and every
Christmas receiving chocolate covered cherries.
He was employed at Universal Co-op as an oil blender, loader for Yellow Freight, and later hired to
Kroger Warehouse, where he worked until retirement in 2006.
Jim’s grandchildren were his pride and joy. He actively followed their sports and other activities; joined
them for Dominoes, Sorry, or card games; and could never stop talking about them.
Jim loved God and was strong in faith from taking his little sister to Sunday school, to attending
Kingsway Christian Church for several years, and most recently as a member of Bluff Creek Christian
Church in Greenwood.
Visitation will be Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home from 10am until the service at
1pm. Jim will be laid to rest next to his parents in Switz City, Indiana immediately after the service.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Bluff Creek Christian Church.
