J. Aaron Rogers

James Aaron Rogers of Bloomington, IN, has passed away at the age of 56. Born at the Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines, Aaron spent his childhood in the San Francisco Bay Area of California before the family returned to their Indianapolis roots. He attended Southport High School and later received a bachelors degree in microbiology from Indiana University. He went on to make his career with Cook Pharmica and then Baxter Pharmaceuticals. Aaron loved being outdoors. He enjoyed camping across the US and instilled that same passion for traveling in his children. He could reliably be found hunting morel mushrooms in the spring, carving pumpkins in the fall, and building large campfires at every opportunity. For many years he enjoyed attending the Kentucky Derby and sharing the infield at Churchill Downs with friends. Fourth of July weekends spent in Mackinaw City, Michigan, were incomplete without his excessive fireworks displays. These were joyous occasions. Addiction, however, is an overwhelmingly cruel, manipulative, and isolating disease. Aaron was an alcoholic, and his many years of alcohol abuse took an enormous toll on his body and spirit. That, combined with other health issues, ultimately lead to his demise. His family wish it known that in recent years Aaron was at his best with the help of the IU Health Addiction Treatment & Recovery Center. They extend their heartfelt gratitude to the ATRC team, and hope others who are struggling with addiction will seek help and find healing. Aaron is survived by his parents, Mark Rogers and Marilyn Rogers Brunoehler of Indianapolis, IN; his brother Brian (Bobbie) Rogers of Mays, IN; his children Kara (Riley) Jones of Kailua, HI and Josh Rogers of Sault Ste. Marie, MI; and finally his granddaughter Charlotte Jones - born last August - who he met at Christmas. A memorial service to celebrate Aaron’s life will be held Saturday, February 17th at the Allen Funeral Home (4155 S Old SR37, Bloomington IN 47401). Family hour will begin at 2pm, a public service will be held at 3pm, and visitation will follow until 5pm. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

Tributes

J. Aaron Rogers

July 14, 1967 - February 12, 2024