James Thomas Roderick's Obituary
James (Jim) Roderick, 71, of Dallas died Friday, October 7, 2016, after a lengthy and courageous battle with complications from diabetes. He was born August 13, 1945, in Oakland, California, son of the late Margaret Dolin Roderick and Frank Edward Roderick. Jim moved with his parents to Dallas in 1960 where he graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1964. He received his BA in Political Science from Texas Tech University in 1969 and served in the National Guard after college. He married Carolyn Speckman Nielsen in 1981, and they lived together in Richardson with their two children Amy Nielsen Cheek and William Joseph Nielsen. Jim began his career with the Department of Health for the City of Lubbock where he learned about Planned Parenthood, a labor of love for Margaret Sanger’s vision to provide health and supportive services for women and families. He served in leadership roles in Waco and Austin and retired in 2010 as President and CEO of the former Planned Parenthood of North Texas. Jim’s expertise in fundraising and financial management led to significant growth in the organization during his 41-year career for which he was honored on numerous occasions. Jim loved to travel with his family, camping in Colorado and with Carolyn regularly to Maui and New York City. In 1998 a very special place of respite was built near Fairplay, Colorado, where Jim, his family and friends could enjoy God’s awesome creation away from the bustle of city life. Bitsy Bob, Daisy Mae, Rocksie and Pebbles, Bichon puppies, gave Jim unconditional love, companionship and pleasure. Everyone who knew Jim remembers fondly his keen sense of humor and robust love for life. He is survived by his loving wife Carolyn, son Will Nielsen (Cynthia), daughter Amy Cheek (Josh), granddaughters Ella Cheek, Natalie Cheek and Ashley Nielsen, and brothers John Roderick (Sue) of Alameda, CA., Gary Roderick (Sherilyn) of Dublin, CA. and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. Private memorial services to be held. He will be missed by his family, friends and anyone who came in contact with Jim during his brief lifetime. We will carry Jim in our hearts forever. The family wishes to thank the caring doctors and staff at HealthSouth Dallas and especially Encompass hospice services. Memorials may be made to the Diabetes Research Institute at diabetesresearch.org or to Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, 7424 Greenville Avenue, Suite 206, Dallas TX 75231.
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