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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
Rogers, James Andrew - was born July 24, 1918 in Lindsay, Ontario to Charles Herbert Rogers and Olive Josephine Billings Rogers. He had 3 sisters and 4 brothers. His mother passed away in 1928 after giving birth to the youngest sister, Theodosia. She then passed a month after her birth. This always shadowed his life.
He attended high school at Lindsay Collegiate and Vocational Institute and worked as a baker from 1934-1937 while in school. He married Reta Idella Gordon in 1937, and had my mother Beverley Rogers Long. From 1937-1943, prior to enlisting, he and Reta ran Jas. A. Rogers Service Station and Garage under the Shell logo on Queen Street E. in Toronto. While he was serving in the Navy, Reta continued to run the service station.
He entered as a Stoker 1c, but quickly moved to a Motor Mechanic "who was in charge of watch on diesel training yacht, mechanic on harbour patrol craft and motors on a diesel ship". His tour of service was on the St. Lawrence and along the East Coast.
After discharge on Sept 28th, 1945, he returned to his business and welcomed a new son, James Ronald Rogers the following year. Jim Jr. would eventually grow and become a Class A Mechanic as well, working in the family business under the B.P. logo, then later as Gulf.
Jim Sr. and Reta purchased a cottage at Thorah Beach on Lake Simcoe in Port Bolster, and spent many happy summers there, eventually renting out small cottages on the weekends. His children grew, married and started their own families. He and Reta became Grandparents to 6 grandchildren, 3 girls and 3 boys. They later became Great Grandparents to 1 great granddaughter and 6 great grandsons.
After retiring, they sold the cottage and moved to Beaverton. The day after the 911 attacks in the U.S. in 2001, he passed away at home, alone at home.
Awards and Decorations: 1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star, CVSM & Clasp, War Medal 1939-45
(Biography submitted by granddaughter Diane)
Ship's served in: HMCS YORK - Enlisted 10 Mar 1943 as a Stoker 1st Class (M), RCNVR. * Rated Acting Motor Mechanic 11 Mar 1943 * Commenced Active Service 24 Mar 1943 HMCS CORNWALLIS - Drafted to CORNWALLIS 06 Apr 1943 HMCS STADACONA - Drafted to STADACONA 01 Jun 1943 HMCS VISION - Drafted to VISON 03 Jul 1943 * Rated Motor Mechanic HMCS SCOTIAN - Drafted to SCOTIAN 14 Mar 1945 * 60 days unpaid leave 10 May 1945 - 09 Jul 1945 HMCS SCOTIAN - Returned to Active Service 10 Jul 145 HMCS ALACHASSE - Drafted to ALACHASSE 30 Jul 1945 HMCS PEREGRINE - Drafted to PEREGRINE 11 Aug 1495 HMCS YORK - Drafted to YORK 16 Aug 1945 * Demobilized 28 Sep 1945
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