James Francis Rogers
ESCANABA — James Francis Rogers, better known as “Crapper”, 61 years young, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019, at U.P. Health System in Marquette following a massive heart attack earlier in the week.
Jim was born on March 4, 1957, in Escanaba, son of John P. and Betty M. (King) Rogers. Crapper graduated from Escanaba High School, class of 1976, and furthered his education at Saginaw Valley State University.
On Nov. 19, 1981, Crapper married Maureen M. Cole in Escanaba. Together they lovingly raised their six children.
Crapper was employed with Verso Paper Company for over 40 years.
He enjoyed biking, telling stories, and he loved sports. He volunteered at a variety of Eskymo sporting events and was always a referee on and off the field, mat or court. The times he volunteered at the Wheeling Sportsman frying up the “Rogers Famous French Fries” was always his favorite event.
Crapper was a member of the Elks Lodge 354 and the Eskymo Fan Club. He was proudly inducted into the Escanaba Quarterback Club Wall of Fame in 2018.
He leaves behind his wife, Maureen of Escanaba; children, Tylor (Ashley) Rogers of Dyersburg, Tenn., Cole (Candra) Rogers of Hermitage, Tenn., Benjamin (Brittany) Rogers of Menominee, Katie (Nathan) Krahling of Escanaba, Kelly (Lyndsey) Rogers of Gladstone and Madalyne Rogers of Marquette; grandchildren, Keegan and Delaney Rogers, Kiera, Nora, Amelia Rogers and Hudson Vinett, Rustie Krahling, Kane and Baby Rogers; siblings, Pat (Pat) Rogers, Carrol (Jeff) Erickson, Mike Rogers, Tim Rogers, Dan (Carol) Rogers, Don “Art” Rogers and Susan Roberts; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his father and mother-in-law; infant brother, William Rogers; brother-in-law, Dan Roberts and sister-in-law, Kelly Cole as well as his niece, Tori Lyn Rogers.
Visitation will be on Saturday, Feb. 23, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S. 13th St., Escanaba. The funeral service will take place at 2 p.m. with Rev. Fran DeGroot officiating. A gathering and meal will take place after 4 p.m. at the Elks Lodge 354 for family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Escanaba Fan Club, Wheeling Sportsman or a charity of one’s choice.
A message of condolence may be directed to the Rogers family by visiting crawfordfuneralhomes.net.