James Knight Rogers ’52

James Knight Rogers ’52, 84, of Hendersonville, N.C., went to be with the Lord on May 27, 2012. He was born on March 4, 1928, in Reidsville, N.C. He was preceded in death by two sons, James Knight Rogers, Jr. and Lawrence Henderson Rogers. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Frances Carolyn Rogers, 1230 State St., Apt. 7, Hendersonville, NC 28739-6093; two daughters, Lynn Lusk (Chuck) and Janet Corbin; and four grandsons, Chaz Lusk (Leti) and two sons, Saber Morgan Lusk and Emry Knight Lusk, Christopher Lusk (Sarah), Derick Rogers, and Devin Rogers (Desiree) and three children, Cadance, Nathanial, and Avina. Rogers lived an incredible life. Orphaned at the age of 10 years old, he went on to impact the world greatly as a community servant, entrepreneur, and dedicated leader of his family. Growing up he attended Reidsville High School, where he excelled in all sports, particularly football, achieving All-State his sophomore, junior, and senior years. He was awarded a football scholarship to Davidson, where he received his bachelor’s degree in business. He then began a career in the textile industry, which brought his family to Sylva, N.C., in 1964 as the manager of Skyland Textile Industries, the maker of “Buster Brown” children’s clothes. After many years of dedicated service, he became vice president of manufacturing. While living in Sylva, he was very active in the First Baptist Church, teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir, and serving as a deacon. He was also involved in coaching youth football and the Boy Scouts. After retiring from Skyland Textiles he owned and operated three Western Steer steakhouses in Waynesville, Franklin, and Brevard, N.C. He and his wife moved to Hendersonville from Myrtle Beach, S.C., in 2001. Many people will remember him as an employee at Ingles grocery store on Asheville Highway. There he made countless friends as he greeted them with his warm smile, a hug, a funny joke, or a song. His life was always a reflection of his love for Jesus Christ.