Joseph "J.R" Rooney Jr.'s Obituary
Joseph (J.R.) Edmond Rooney Jr. boarded his final flight as Pilot in Command on February 18, 2025, in Dallas, TX, at age 83, and flew west.
J.R. was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 10, 1941, to Joseph Rooney Sr. and Margaret Padgett Rooney. His aunt, Mary Prodanovich Rooney, and uncle, Charles “Chick” Rooney, raised him in Rexburg, Idaho. As a child, J.R. could often be found riding horses and cane pole fishing. As he grew older, J.R. could be seen riding the combine as he helped work the dusty fields of the family farm. The family’s time was often split between Idaho and San Diego, California. After Uncle Chick’s passing, Aunt Mary continued to care for J.R. as if he were her own.
Those closest to him knew J.R. was a military man at heart. What so many did not know is that he was a two-time Bronze Star Medal recipient (first oak leaf cluster), awarded the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, which was awarded to individuals and units for valorous conduct and heroic deeds during the Vietnam War, and the Army Commendation Medal (second oak leaf cluster). He achieved all of this while jumping out of perfectly good airplanes, was a sharpshooter, and despite all of his shenanigans - he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal five times. If you know – you know!
When hearing about all of the adventures in J.R.’s life, one might think it was nothing more than tall tales and bold-faced lies. From jumping out of planes to piloting them. A bowling champion. Worked for the BBC. Crashed an airplane and lived to tell about it. Been to Zanzibar. Lived in London. There is so much more, but you wouldn’t believe it if we told you. But you might want to ask some day, because boy howdy are there some verifiable tales and adventures to be told. Don’t believe me – I’ve got proof!
Only those closest to him and who took the time to get to know him truly understood what a teddy bear he actually was. He prided himself on being a curmudgeon, but he was a big softy and would give you the shirt off his back if needed. On more than one occasion, he willingly gave up his shirt to take care of his friends and family in need. Sometimes the shirt was returned, but more often than not it wasn’t. That never deterred him from continuing to help those who needed it.
He was an anal-retentive super nerd who utilized technology well before it was mainstreamed and continued to be a tech geek until his passing. Back in the days of the first PDAs, we often called it “his brain”. For those who knew him back then, one would almost think he had a reminder set to tell him when to breathe in and when to breathe out! Despite being an anal-retentive super nerd, it has been discovered that he was a fantastic boss who is still very well respected by his former employees.
He was also a big-time romantic – if you know, you know!
J.R. leaves behind the following family and friends on an extended “stand by list” to cherish his memory, revel in his adventures, and laugh at his antics: his little bestie and “always my” baby daughter, Denise Rooney LaFollette, and her husband, his much loved and greatly appreciated son-in-love, Greg LaFollette, of Ohatchee, Alabama; his Harley riding and beloved stepson, Darrin Cornelius, who recently married Jessica, of Shawnee, Oklahoma; his fellow aerophile and incredibly loved grandson, Patrick LaFollette and grandest of granddaughter-in-loves, Nicole LaFollette, who regularly tortured him with pictures and memes of opossum, of Warrior, Alabama; and the apple of his eye – the littlest of ones who could make his eyes sparkle with a joyful and excited greeting of “PeePaw!!!” – his great-grandson Carter LaFollette, who must now assume the official role of “Cowboy Sheriff” in his PeePaw’s absence.
Dearest friends and extended family on the “stand by list” include Glen and Vickie Campbell, his brother and sister of 33 years. Despite Glen being from Arkansas, Glen and Vickie are not themselves brother and sister – but when you have no siblings of your own, the absolute best of friends become the siblings one could only dream of having. That dream came true with these two. Due to this union, he was also blessed with his chosen nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews – niece Melissa Godfrey Perez and her husband Jesus; their daughter Gabi and son Drake; nephew David Godfrey, and niece Diana Godfrey Blackwell. He also leaves behind his very special and dearest friends Skip and Jean Lash of Frisco City, Alabama; Sandy and Lee Sinnes of Port Angeles, Washington; and Pam and Larry Webb of Dallas, Texas.
Last, but certainly not least, he leaves behind his special companion and dear friend, Ms. Sue Johnson-Dietz, who will miss their nightly Netflix shenanigans and his witty texts as they watched numerous movies and series together over the last few years. Most of all, I think she will miss his caring and helpful texts of “don’t forget to put your trash out” and “time to bring your trash can in”. We are grateful for her presence over the last 3 years and her ability to keep him on his toes!
J.R. was preceded in death by his wife of 33 years, Marilie Rooney; the mother of his daughter, Barbara Lett Rooney Chandler; daughter-in-law Cyndy Cornelius; dear friends Jody and Russ Wilson; his mother, Margaret Padgett; his father, Joseph E. Rooney Sr.; mothers-in-law Harriette Buchmann and Alene Lett; fathers-in-law Raymond R. Buchmann and J.D. Lett; Aunt Mary Prodanovich Rooney and Uncle Charles “Chick” Rooney; Uncle Frances Rooney; and grandmother Elizabeth McKeown Rooney and grandfather Owen Rooney who immigrated to the United States from Dundalk, Ireland in 1911.
J.R. was cremated under the care of Restland Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas. There will be no formal services for J.R. – simply a family dinner to celebrate his life and legacy. Later this year, part of his ashes will be scattered in Port Angeles, Washington, where he will join his beloved Marilie in the Straits of Juan De Fuca. When the time is right, another portion of his ashes will be used to plant a Prickly Pear Cactus – yes, he knew!
His daughter would like to extend a hearty thank you to the staff at Presbyterian Dallas Hospital for their care, and a very special thank you to ICU Nurse Samira for your support. Without you – I wouldn’t have that extra-special print or my sanity (which is still very questionable at times). You are a fantastic nurse and we were blessed to have you when I really needed you the most!
Thank you to the Legacy Midtown staff and residents. Not only did my father find a new home with you, I found a 2nd home with all of you as well. I hope you don’t mind if I pop in sometime for breakfast just to visit! Thank you to Restland for your kindness, patience, and care as this baby daughter waddled and stumbled through the process.
We would like to encourage everyone to leave their special memories, stories, photographs, and shared shenanigans on the tribute wall!
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