Rodney James 'Jim' Staggers

Rodney James "Jim" Staggers, 61, of Lady Lake, Fla., born Oct. 9, 1955 in Brownsville, Pa., passed away peacefully at home after a lengthy illness on May 18, 2017.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Mary Louise (Roule) Staggers, and brother, Gary.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Bettie (Lingle) of Lady Lake, Fla., son Jim (Erin), grandsons Ben and Mitch of Greencastle, and sister in-law, Lynn (Lingle) Johnston of Lady Lake, Fla.

Rod "Jim" taught music and was band director for 35 years at Frazier Jr./Sr. High School in Perryopolis, Pa., where he made his home until retirement.

He was a member of the Laurel Lodge 651 F&AM and the Scottish Rite, both in Uniontown, Pa.

He was a graduate of Brownsville Area High School, attended Berklee College of Music (Boston) and was a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

After establishing his home in The Villages, Fla., Jim performed with numerous Village bands: The Concert Band, New Horizons Band, German Band, Swing Band, Sunshine Brass Quintet, The Ambassadors and Flipside among numerous other bands. Jim was well versed when playing his trumpet, although playing jazz was his passion.

Jim was well known not only for his musical talent, but for his organizational skills, his jokes and wit, lessons on life, and a knack for fixing just about anything. He was always a man who looked after those deserving a helping hand. He was the go-to guy by all who knew and loved him.

A memorial service will be held at the Sherwood Christian Church of which his beloved son, Jim, is the pastor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be mailed to the Sherwood Christian Church, 600 Kirkwood Ave., Greencastle, IN 46135. The donations will be used to help further the church's ministry to help those in need during difficult times. He believed and stated the motto "Always pay it forward."