James Patrick Rogge

James (Jim) Patrick Rogge was born on June 16, 1953, in Wiesbaden, Germany. As the son of a military family, Jim spent his early years moving from base to base before eventually settling in Belleville, Illinois, where he completed his high school education.

Shortly after graduating, Jim followed his brother Bill to New Mexico, where he would spend the next 50 years making a life in the place he loved most.

The Lincoln National Forest was Jim’s home. He served as a member of the Smokey Bear Hotshot Crew, battling wildfires across New Mexico and throughout the United States. Jim also participated in many youth field trips on behalf of the Forest Service and was known to wear the Smokey Bear costume at community events throughout the years. After his years on the front lines, Jim transitioned to National Critical Incident Management Team Logistics Section Chief, where he coordinated the countless details necessary to support firefighters in the field—from meals and supplies to sanitation and camp operations.

Jim’s dedication to public lands extended beyond firefighting. He worked throughout the Lincoln National Forest tending campgrounds, monitoring water quality, collecting trash, and serving in various ranger duties across many of the area's campgrounds and picnic sites. Even after retirement, he continued his water-sampling work, remaining connected to the forest he loved.

Outside of work, Jim’s greatest passion was NASCAR. He always knew who was leading the pack and rarely missed a race. For nearly 20 years, he attended the Daytona 500. What began as an annual boys' trip with his brother and friends eventually became a cherished family tradition. Over the years, Jim shared the experience with his brother Bill, his niece Bethany, her husband Karl, and one of their children each year until all four children—Addy, Carter, Keaton, and Aiden—had the opportunity to attend the Great American Race with him.

Jim was extremely close to his brother Bill. Often referred to as twins despite being 13 months apart in age, the two were built-in best friends from the very beginning. Jim visited Bill and Debbie's home nearly every day, and the three shared many years of weekly pizza nights and enchilada dinners together.

To those who loved him most, Jim was known simply as Son, Brother, Uncle, "Uncle-Uncle"—a title he preferred over Great Uncle, and friend. His quiet presence, steady nature, and devotion to family left a lasting mark on all who knew him.

Jim passed away from natural causes on June 2, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Pat Rogge.

He is survived by his sisters, Phyllis (Jim) Fitzpatrick of Fairfield, Connecticut, and Kelley Littell of Summerville, South Carolina; his brother and best friend, Bill (Debbie) Rogge of Ruidoso, New Mexico; his nephews, Billy (Amy) Rogge and Will (Marley) Littell; his nieces, Bethany "Bethy Lou" (Karl) Kriegel, Katelyn (Ethan) Epstein, and Maggie (Drew) Ford; and twelve great-nieces and great-nephews.

Jim’s life was one of service—to the forests he loved, the communities he helped protect, and the family he cherished. The Lincoln National Forest, and the lives of those who knew and loved him, would not be what they are today without him.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, with details to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jim Rogge Memorial Fund at City Bank, 1850 Sudderth Drive, Ruidoso, NM 88345. Memorial funds will be used to provide scholarship opportunities for graduating students pursuing careers in forestry, reflecting Jim's lifelong dedication to the forests and public lands he loved.