Jimmy Rogers

James Blake Rogers (July 25, 1915 – April 28, 2000), commonly known as Jimmy (also spelled Jimmie), was an American actor, horse rancher, polo player, and newspaperman. The son of humorist and social commentator Will Rogers, he was the family representative on the Will Rogers Memorial Commission, and worked with the staff at the Will Rogers State Historic Park.

Early years Rogers was born in New York City on July 25, 1915, the son of Will Rogers and Betty Blake. He spent his childhood in Beverly Hills, but moved to a ranch in the late 1920s, and grew to love working with horses. He attended Pomona College, but left in 1935, after his father and pilot Wiley Post died in a plane crash.

He appeared in documentaries about his father's life, includingThe Story of Will Rogers, a 1961 episode of the television documentary Project Twenty, which was narrated by Bob Hope, and Will Rogers, a 2001 episode of California’s Gold, which aired after Rogers’ death.

Rogers was the family representative on the Will Rogers Memorial Commission, and worked with the staff at the Will Rogers State Historic Park. Michelle Lefebvre-Carter, the director of the Memorial Commission stated: "Jim Rogers referred to Will Rogers affectionately as 'Dad' in family matters and 'WR' in reference to the icon."

Rogers owned a California ranch, where he trained horses and operated a riding school. He attended western fan conventions, and talked about his movie career.

Personal life Rogers married Astrea Kemmler on March 26, 1938, and they had three children – James Kemmler Rogers, Charles Edward Rogers, and Astrea Elizabeth Rogers Brandon. His first wife died on November 19, 1987. He married Judith Braun on August 31, 1995. Rogers died of cancer on April 28, 2000.

Filmography 1920 Water, Water, Everywhere – uncredited bit role 1920 The Strange Boarder – Billy Gardner 1920 Jes' Call Me Jim – Harry Benedict 1921 Doubling for Romeo – Jimmie Jones 1942 Dudes Are Pretty People – Jimmy 1943 Calaboose – Jimmy 1943 Prairie Chickens – Jimmy 1943 False Colors – Jimmy Rogers 1943 Riders of the Deadline – Jimmy Rogers 1944 Texas Masquerade – Jimmy Rogers 1944 Lumberjack – Jimmy Rogers 1944 Mystery Man – Jimmy Rogers 1944 Forty Thieves – Jimmy Rogers