Thurmond James Rogers, Jr., "T.J.", "Bubba", passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2020, at the age of 80, with his loving Wife, Daughter, and Sister by his side. T.J. was born to Thurmond James Rogers, Sr., and Gladys Schroeder Rogers in Sugar Land, Texas on Monday, April 8, 1940. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Gloria Price and Paula Ritter. He is survived by his sister, Donna Rogers, his loving wife of 55 years, Bonita "Bonnie Joy" Jovicsin Rogers, their children, Rhonda Braun and husband Walter, Richard Rogers and wife, Kelly, step-daughter Deborah Hoffman. He also has three grandchildren, Desiree "Lil Lil Girl" Braun, Zachary Lee-James Braun, and Kayla Lee Rogers, four step-grandchildren, Richard Eugene "Lil Ricky" Bruening, Eric Dwayne Rivers, Leah Marie Warren, and Tyler Hoffman. One great-grandchild, Daniel James Brooks. Four step-great-grandchildren, Zoe Rivers, Tinsley Bruening, Luke, and Rheawna Warren. Many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Lifelong buddies Andy Younger, Lonnie Smith, and Eugene Jezek.

T.J. graduated in 1959 from Sealy High School, in Sealy, Texas. He was an athlete and lettered in football and basketball. He played semi-pro football in the mid 60's in Houston, Texas. He was also the Manager and a player for his employer's softball team, the Mean Machines for many years.

T.J. Retired from Wyman- Gordon, a subsidiary of Precision Castparts, Corp., after 51years of service. As its Gage Lab Manager and Inspector, he spent countless hours inspecting turbine engines for commercial and military aircraft, nuclear flow control products, oil and gas pipelines pumping and power systems and aircraft landing gear .

He was an instrumental voice for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in Houston, Texas. He was also a Grand Mason in the fraternity of Freemasonry, Masonic Lodge in Houston, Texas.

T.J. was known for his inventive mind. He honorarily was granted and received five Letters of Patent from the Commissioner of Patent and Trademarks for the Patent and Trademark Office of the United States of America. United States Patent 4,261,574: Command Ship Invasion Board Game; 4,497,490: Fortune Finesse Board Game; 4,274,220: Fishing Lure; 4,272,075: Children's Fishing Game; 4,274,123: Animal Repellant Apparatus. He was a draftsman and had an architectural mind and recently put to paper the final touches of his blueprint for the new home that he wanted to build for his wife on their land by the lake.

T.J. loved helping others as witnessed by his generosity. He fervently believed in giving rather than receiving. He truly enjoyed doing for others. He supported the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.

T.J. enjoyed his wife's cooking, drawing, woodworking, building things, fishing, driving his Pick-up Truck, watching football, baseball, and Fox News. He was an avid Trump Supporter and was looking forward to casting his vote. He could be heard singing or whistling a tune as he went about his day. He most liked talking with his grandchildren and family on the telephone. He took much pride in hearing about their life stories and achievements. T.J. most loved spending every day just being by the love of his life's side, Bonnie Joy.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to:

International Fellowship of Christians and Jews

30 North La Salle Street, Suite 4300

Chicago, IL 60602-2584

800-486-8844