James E. Rogers died peacefully at his home in Oak Bluffs on August 14, 2021, surrounded by family. He was 86.

He was the loving husband of Sylvia Coutinho Rogers.

Jim was born in Oak Bluffs on June 4, 1935 to Everett and Genevieve Rogers. He graduated from Oak Bluffs High School in 1953. After serving in the U.S. Army, he began a lifelong career in the Rogers Freight and Coca Cola Distribution family business. Jim had many fascinating stories to share about his trucking experiences on and off the Vineyard.

He was a hardworking man but he and Sylvia enjoyed leisure time together, traveling, meeting friends on road trips, and on a cruise. Throughout their marriage, he and Sylvia looked forward to socializing with lifelong friends at monthly themed dinner parties. A highlight was the Halloween costume party where he wore Sylvia’s costume creations.

Jim’s family shares many fun memories of their drives to Wasque Beach on Chappaquiddick for cookouts and digging quahaugs, swimming at State Beach in Oak Bluffs and rowing boats in Sengekontacket Pond. Jim loved the water and enjoyed driving by the Oak Bluffs waterfront for peace at the end of the work day.

He was a kind and devoted family man who was deeply loved by his wife, children, and grandchildren. They miss him dearly.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years; daughters Rebecca Rogers and her partner Roland Rondeau of Mashpee, and Camilla Rogers of Oak Bluffs; son Leigh Rogers of Vineyard Haven; grandsons CJ Barstow, Michael Willoughby and Joshua Rogers; great-grandsons Nathan and Andrew Finnegan-Allen; sisters Mary Ellen Rogers, Alita Zalgenas and her husband Ben, and Susan Absten and her husband Bud; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by a brother, Jerome (Jerry) Rogers, who died on May 10, 2021.

A funeral was held at Chapman Funerals & Cremations in Oak Bluffs on August 20, 2021, with military honors provided by the Veterans of Martha’s Vineyard.