Final Salute

James Oscar “Jimmy” Rocker, 77, passed away peacefully in the afternoon of Wednesday, August 11, 2021 surrounded by his family after having experienced a stroke more than two years earlier.

Born in Savannah and raised in Metter, he was the second of four children born to the late Bertha Coleman Rocker and Jacob Oscar (J.O.) Rocker. After graduating from Metter High School, Jimmy attended Georgia Tech and received his Bachelor of Industrial Engineering degree in 1966. Shortly thereafter, Jimmy enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served his country in Vietnam as a Navy SeaBee, receiving an honorable discharge in June,1968. On August 11, 1968 he married Laura Meadows of Washington, GA. They were together in marriage for 53 years.

Jimmy’s work in the late 1960’s and 1970’s took them to Statesboro, Moultrie, and Valdosta, where Jimmy attended Valdosta State and received his MBA. Later, he and Laura moved to Lilburn where they raised their family. After retiring, Jimmy and Laura moved back to Metter, and lived on what Jimmy liked to refer to as “the farm”, the very place where he spent his childhood years.

Jimmy was an avid woodworker and took joy in teaching his sons how to fix and build things. As a tribute to his time in the Navy, Jimmy would often say “A SeaBee can fix anything except a busted ass and a broken heart”. Later in life, Jimmy focused his woodworking skill on woodturning, and enjoyed turning “found” wood into platters, bowls, pens, and Christmas ornaments.

He is survived by his wife, Laura, their three sons, Jim (Kim) Rocker of LaGrange, Ed (Terri) Rocker of Jackson, and Jake Rocker of Atlanta, and grandchildren Jacob, Katie, Isabel, Phoebe, and Emmett.

The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 14 at the Brinson Family Cemetery in Canoochee, GA.

Memorials made be made to Brinson Cemetery Association, c/o Martha Ann Wells. 209 Long View Lane Pickens, SC 29671

Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel, of Metter is in charge of the arrangements.