Lacy Rogers

James Lacy Rogers was born April 22, 1944 in Douglas, Texas to parents, Willie Ashley Rogers and Velma McDaniel Rogers. He passed away March 29, 2024 in Huntsville, Texas at the age of 79. Lacy was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Velma Rogers; brothers, Junior Rogers, Forrest Rogers, Thomas Rogers; sisters, Linda Rogers Sandefer and Sybil Rogers Bly. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Carolyn Rogers; son, Sammy Rogers and wife Victoria; daughter, Carla Smith and husband Rick; sister, Tiny Gonzales; grandchildren, Megan Fletcher and husband Michael, Maddie Rogers, Annie Zela and husband Colton, Carson Smith and wife Maegan; great-grandchildren, Major and Maverick Fletcher, Ellie Smith, and Cooper Zela. 

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at the First Baptist Church in Coldspring, Texas from 10-11am. Celebration of Life Service will begin at 11am with Pastor Phil Herrington and Pastor Carson Smith officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the First Baptist Church Coldspring.

Lacy was taught by his Paternal Grandfather how to hunt, fish and work in their massive garden to support the family. Lacy was in the outdoors, consistently bringing home all sorts of game and fish in droves. During this time, he would catch a train from Jasper and ride it 15 miles, jump off and spend the night in the woods. The following morning, he would hunt the 15 miles back to Jasper. Lacy would sell squirrels from these hunts for $.50 apiece and this knowledge would assist him later in life. 

Lacy met Carolyn Watson while cruising around the neighboring town of Burkeville. They began dating and were married a short time later with their first child, Sammy, arriving in the first year. While looking for better opportunities, Lacy moved the family to Houston, Texas taking a job at Armco Steel located on the ship channel. During this time, Lacy and Carolyn welcomed their second child, Carla. Lacy learned quickly that the city life was not for him and was determined to find a way out. It has been said by Carolyn and the kids that Lacy making the decision to move to Coldspring, Texas was the best of his life. 

Upon arriving in Coldspring, Lacy partnered with a co-worker from Armco Steel and opened a small bait shop on Lake Livingston and continued commuting to Houston for work. Lacy started his own business as a fishing guide and later became Marina Operator in Cape Royale. He and Carolyn managed the Marina for several years together while their kids were growing up. 

While living and working at Cape Royale, the Rogers family was blessed to build wonderful friendships that would last a lifetime. These were truly memorable years for everyone and meant so much to Lacy up to his last days.  It was also during this period Lacy became interested in Law Enforcement. Game Warden Billy Jack Weaver took Lacy under his wing and taught him valuable skills while modeling the behavior of one that did not compromise integrity or commitment to upholding the law in a fair and just manner. 

Lacy was the product of the American Dream. He came from humble beginnings and went on to greatness in his own right. In 1984 Lacy ran for Precinct 4 Constable and won, serving until 1988 when he ran for County Sherriff. He went on to win this position in a strong fashion. Over the next 20 years, Lacy gave everything he had to the people of San Jacinto County. He was proud and humbled to be a public servant who could be a positive factor in the community while fighting to keep the public safe. He earned the respect of federal and state agency staff for his unwavering integrity and relentless pursuit of justice while maintaining a work ethic that was unequaled.

In 2008 Lacy lost his last bid for office and said fair well to full-time employment, retiring the same year.  The last years of his life were spent with family and friends enjoying having little to no responsibility or stress for the first time in his life. He loved his family and loved the people of San Jacinto County just as much. He was and will always be, The People’s Champion.