James Michael Rodenbeck
July 15, 1967 ~ July 16, 2020
James Michael Rodenbeck (Jim), 53, of Searcy, AR, formerly of Mooresville, IN passed from this life into glory on July 16, 2020 at Unity Health in Searcy.
Jim was born on July 15, 1967 to James Lowell Rodenbeck and Susan Elaine (VanHorne) Rodenbeck in Indianapolis, IN. He graduated from Mooresville High School in 1985 and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Butler University in 1989. He spent most of his adult life as a professional trombonist, performing with the Circle City Sidewalker Stompers Clown Band, the Starry Knights Big Band, as the principle trombonist of the Carmel Symphony Orchestra, and was the founder of the Basement Brass Quintet. He married Stacey (Dineen) Rodenbeck of Indianapolis, IN on November 21, 2015. They followed her career to Searcy, AR, where he continued his education in computer science, ultimately obtaining a job as a business analyst at Harding University. They welcomed a daughter, Susan Elizabeth Rodenbeck, on January 10, 2019. Their family was completed with the birth of their son, Christian James Rodenbeck, on May 22, 2020.
Jim was a patient, wise, gentle man of integrity and faith. His dedication to his God was evident in all of his relationships. He was devoted to his wife and children, and his love was beautifully demonstrated in acts of service, shoulder rides, tummy time escapades, and the reading of a million stories. He was a loyal son to his parents and a protective older brother to his sisters, Kellee and Heather. Jim loved quietly and well, and earned the love and respect of more friends than he realized.
Jim is preceded in death by his mother, Susan Rodenbeck; his maternal grandparents, John VanHorne and Lelah (Stout) VanHorne; and his paternal grandparents, John Rodenbeck and Julia (Myers) Rodenbeck. He is survived by his wife, Stacey (Dineen) Rodenbeck; a daughter, Susan Rodenbeck; a son, Christian Rodenbeck; his father, Jim Rodenbeck; his sisters; Kellee (Rodenbeck) Helbig and Heather (Rodenbeck) Alexander; four nieces and nephews; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Jim will be laid to rest on Thursday, July 23, at White Lick Friend’s Cemetery in Mooresville, IN. A visitation will be held at Mt. Gilead Church in Mooresville on Wednesday, July 22, from 5:00-8:00 PM, with the funeral at Mt. Gilead Church on Thursday, July 23, at 2:00 PM. For your safety and the safety of those around you, the family encourages wearing masks. A memorial service will be held in Searcy, AR, at a later date.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Sending all our love and prayers during this difficult time.
I went to high school with Jim, and participated in marching band with him. He was tremendously talented, but more importantly, he was kind. I never once saw him lose his patience, speak unkindly toward anyone (or about anyone), or be anything except a good guy. He was always quiet, never made fun of others, and led by example. I’m so sorry he didn’t get to spend more time with his wife and children… but I hope one day they read the many, many comments about their dad, and realize what an awesome person he was. Until we meet again, Jim.
The entire family of Dineens and Rodenbecks have my family’s deep and heartfelt condolences. May God be with you all at this time and in the coming days.
With deepest sympathy,
Jim was always kind, patient, never grumpy. He was such a sweet Daddy and husband. We will all miss him – Gone too soon! Much love to his sweet little family. (Photos from Christmas 2018 “Mostly Brass”)
I have so many great memories of Jim from our school days! I remember our 6th grade school teacher asking Jim to read aloud during class because Jim would always read with a dramatic, theatrical flare! He loved to do it and the class always loved to hear him read! Such a kind hearted, patient, caring individual…I am certain he was a great husband and father. We send our prayers and condolences for your loss. May the memories of what a special person that Jim was, be your strength during this difficult time.
Our hearts are completely broken and there is a huge void for all of us who knew Jim Rodenbeck. He touched the lives of so very many in a positive way. Jim was my very first Christian friend 13 years ago when I walked through the doors of the church as a broken man and surrendered my life to Christ. I learned so much from my friend Jim by the example of the way he lived his life of what it means to be Christ like and humble and love and care for others. Jim set the bar high when it came to always treating others with respect no matter how much they disagreed and how to find common ground in unity with all people. In my opinion something the world needs more of. He was the most kindest, nicest, caring person I ever knew. It was such a wonderful joy to have him as my best man in my wedding and I was absolutely honored to stand in as his best man in his wedding when Jim married the love of his life Stacey. My wife Kim and I was so very happy and filled with so much joy when Jim met Stacey they were most definitely a match made in heaven and we give thanks to Jesus for God bringing Stacey in Jim’s life. Our hearts are completely broken and devastated over the loss of our dear brother Jim Rodenbeck and our hearts and prayers go out to his lovely bride Stacey and their two sweet beautiful babies Susan and Christian. May the Lord Jesus wrap them up in his unfailing loving arms and comfort them with His mercy and peace during this most difficult time of loss. My wife Kim and I will forever cherish the wonderful memories that Jim and Stacey shared together with us for an eternity. We will always cherish the memories we shared with Jim and Stacey in the nursing home ministry and the way Jim truly loved on those elderly residents with all his heart. So many wonderful memories together we shared. I can always know that my big brother Jim will be watching over me looking down from heaven and encouraging me every step of the way to always do my best as I run my race here on this earth until the good Lord calls me home to be with my Lord Jesus and my brother Jim in eternal glory forever. In the meantime brother Jim you play your trombone for the Lord Jesus with all your heart up there in heaven and I look forward to seeing you again my dear friend. Thank you brother Jim for the things you taught me into what it means to be a godly man. In loving memory of my bro Jim Rodenbeck.
Jim was a great friend to many and a joy to be around. My deepest sympathies to the wife and family.
I used to sit in front of Jim in the Carmel Symphony. He always asked if he was too loud and I always answered “huh?” This was our joke. EVERY concert! Never got tired of teasing and laughing with Jim. We loved Stacy as soon as we met her and knew that Jim was the happiest we had ever seen him! When he left Indy, we were sad but he was thrilled to be with his true love. Shocking that God would take him from us forever, but I know Stacy is smart & strong and a wonderful mother. Jim’s perfect little family will be in my prayers forever!
Sympathy to Stacey and family from Amy Mount’s grandparents, Gerald and Clara Wakefield. We never met Jim but love Stacey and her family.
I used to think Jim was the quirkiest trombone player of ever meet. Not true. There are quirkier! But, to me that is what made him so much fun to be around. Always a great attitude and fun to work with. He will be missed.
Such a good man. I always remember him in 8th grade band thinking the trombone was bigger than him. He was a strong silent type and only filled with goodness. I enjoyed connecting with him on FB and watching him build his family. The family is in my prayers. So sorry for your loss.
Jim was a kind presence in anyone who met him. May he rest in peace.
Jim co-taught a class where we read the Bible through in 9 months. During that class he exhibited humility, gentleness, kindness, and encouraged us each week. I have enjoyed watching his delight in being a husband and being a daddy. My prayers are with Stacey, their children, and the family. I pray for comfort and strength and peace. I am so sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you.
I met Jim when we launched our Strong Meat Bible Study at MG. He worked so hard as a co-teacher. So sweet and so very kind. We became good friends. I’m so shocked and heartbroken for his family. He was one of the most loved man I’d ever met. He truly walked with Christ each day. So sad I’m not able to say goodbye, my prayers are with his wife and family.
I remember the family Christmas gathering when Stacey said… “I think I met someone.” I only knew Jim for 5 years, but from the first meeting I knew how wonderful he was and that he would be a good husband to my dear cousin. I watched him love her well and become a father and love Susan and Chris well. I’m forever grateful for him and the way he added to my extended family. “Precious in the sight of the Lord are the death of His saints.”
Our deepest sympathy. We are with you in spirit.
We’ve known Jim and been friends for 20+ years, playing in the Carmel Symphony together. WAY too many good stories of fun times to tell in this space (like the time the ceiling tile fell on him in a rehearsal…). Jim is one of the kindest, gentlest souls we’ve known – always bringing a smile to those around him – and we are so very sad to hear of his passing, MUCH too soon. Much love to Stacey and the children.
I have never known anyone as selfless as Jim – Christlike. Every woman desires a husband like Jim. Very child needs a father like Jim. Everyone needs to be a friend like Jim. An amazing legacy!
Sending condolences to the family, and especially to his dad, Jim, whom was a classmate of mine. Keep your memories and friends close to help you through these trying times. Jo Ann Neal Owen
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jim was a ray of sunshine in the IS&T at Harding University and is missed greatly. Blessing and love.
I did not know Jim personally but knew him through his associates and friends…and thus felt like I knew him well. He was obviously a great father, husband and professional . May God bless his wife, children and extended family. We are going to miss his Christian Influence and his terrific service to Harding and her students .Jim Carr
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
I did not work in the same office as Jim, but saw him numerous times in the hall. He was always very friendly and I know he will be missed.
Jim and I worked in Financial Aid together and he was a very special and kind face to have in the office. He was always the first to jump in and help and never wasted an opportunity to talk about his faith. We actually shared a wall with ours offices next to each other. That wall was rather thin so he would always yell bless you and would come and check on me from time to time if he thought I might be having a rough day or had had a rough phone call. He was a dear and quirky soul and I know his presence will be greatly missed around our office.
I will miss Jim’s smile and joyful demeanor. Jim was in my Data Structures class about two years ago and endeared himself to all the young people in the class. All of the students loved Jim!!!!
Our deep sympathy and prayers for Stacey and family. Love, The Carr College of Nursing Faculty and Staff
Jim and I got to know one another while playing together in the Carmel Symphony Orchestra. He played trombone and I am a violinist so we sat at opposite ends of the stage for quite a while before we found a personal connection. He always had a smile ready. I liked him a lot and all of us in the orchestra missed him after he left Indianapolis. I don’t know his family but my sincere sympathy goes out to all of you. He was a great guy and much too young to be taken from this earth.
I am thankful to have known Jim over the last 2 years. When I would run into him in the halls he would often speak of his family. His love for them was obvious. Jim was a valuable member of our department and a Christian example to all.
Saddened to hear of Jim’s untimely death. Our condolences to his family. Rose and Fred Jean
In loving memory of a special cousin to his wife and family from the Myers family: Arthur, Margaret, Dawn and Keith.
I enjoyed having Jim in class and worshiping with him at Cloverdale. He was always very conscientious and worked so hard. I’ll miss seeing him at Cloverdale and passing by him in the evenings when he walked/jogged with Stacey and the kids.
Jim had a gentle and kind spirit. What I loved about him most was the way he loved my niece Stacey and their children. My favorite memory of Jim was on their wedding day and the way he looked at Stacey – so adoring. It gave my heart peace and joy. Praying for peace and comfort now. Amy Johnson
We first met Jim at Rebecca (daughter) and Shane William’s house during holiday visits, long before we relocated to Mooresville. We would see him almost every visit, either at the house, at a restaurant, or (especially fun) at a Butler basketball game, where Jim would play in the band and met us afterwards. We always enjoyed his gentle kindness and good humor! He is missed and very fondly remembered. David and Judith Jackson