Clarence James "Jim" Roddy was born December 29, 1937, in Atlanta, Georgia to Beatrice and Chancey Roddy.  He was the first born of seven children; three boys and four girls.

Jim was blessed to have lived a life that was full of love and achievement.  He was a tireless man of faith, a dedicated family man, and committed to mentorship and community service.  Overall, he had a heart of gold, an infectious smile, a hearty laugh and a genuine ability to treat everyone he met as if they were his lifelong friend.

Jim grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he attended and graduated from Everson Elementary, Fitz-Simons Junior High and North East High Schools.

In September 1956, Jim entered the U.S. Marine Corps as a Private (E-1).  After enlisting, Jim quickly ascended the enlisted ranks.  Upon attaining the rank of Gunnery Sergeant, his professionalism and dedication to duty caught the eye of a USMC Colonel.  This Colonel directed Jim to apply to Officer Training School.  He applied and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in March of 1974.  From a historical perspective, this was an impressive feat considering his officer commissioning occurred at a time when many African Americans were not afforded such opportunities .

It was during this time, he was stationed in the Dominican Republic and served two tours in Vietnam where he was actively engaged in wartime combat.  Jim's bravery and leadership earned him a plethora of meritorious distinctions, to include:  the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation for outstanding heroism in action against the enemy, Vietnam Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross, the Vietnam Civil Action Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal…all displayed proudly across his chest today in recognition of his exemplary service to his nation.

Jim retired from the USMC as a 1st Lieutenant in January 1977 and decided to make Jacksonville his forever home.  Upon retirement, he began working for Marine Chevrolet as a Sales Representative and it is at this time that he achieved a life-long goal of purchasing his first Corvette.  His passion for this beautiful and powerful vehicle led him and two others to create the Jacksonville Caro-Vettes Corvette Club in 1977.  During his tenure, he held many leadership positions as well as functioned as the Club's Event Coordinator since 1982.  Jim was a true pioneer.  He blazed the trial for not only the Jacksonville Caro-Vettes Corvette Club, but several other Corvette Clubs around the state of N.C. as well.  But his pride and joy, the Jacksonville Caro-Vettes Corvette Club, has withstood the test of time and remains active today.  We are honored that both current and former members are proudly represented in attendance today.  Many remember Jim not only for his passion for competing in car-shows and racing venues across the Eastern part of the U.S., but they also recall fondly seeing his distinctive Corvette pulling up to compete in many shows & thinking that he was most likely going to win whatever classes he chose to compete in.  They have also shared memories of watching and photographing Jim in his typical "sleep-like" position at every event while awaiting the judging…and there are numerous photos which commemorate this infamous position.  Mostly, they share stories of how his love for and knowledge of Corvettes inspired them and of how his love for Corvettes led him to share this extensive knowledge with anyone who was interested.

Jim's love for the Corps and of mentoring young Marines then led him back home to serve as a Department of Defense Civilian Employee, where he attained the positions of Contracting Officer for the Supply Department and Housing Officer over both the active-duty barracks and lodging facilities on MCAS New River.  Jim retired from civil service after 20 years of honorable service.

And if that wasn't enough, Jim was also born with an entrepreneurial spirit, which led him to open his own business, Fast & Clean, doing what he loved; selling car parts, accessories and cleaning supplies. Additionally, Jim joined the Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce, where he was named the Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce 2005 Ambassador of the Year, the 2008 Wachovia Small Business Person of the Year, the 2009 Minority Male Entrepreneur of the Year and the 12th Annual Minority Enterprise Development Week Legends of Onslow Recipient in October 2017…just to name a few of his many awards.  Jim even taught the skill of automotive detailing to youths as a Continuing Education teacher at Coastal Carolina Community College for several years starting in February 2006.

Continuing with his love of community service, Jim joined and was a long-time member of the Jacksonville-Onslow Kiwanis Club. The Onslow County Kiwanis is an organization committed to helping the children of Onslow County by raising money, volunteerism, and assisting other agencies who have the same goals as them.  Jim took pride in their many accomplishments and treasured the friendships forged through participating in this organization.

Jim was also a deeply religious man that was a tireless champion for his faith.  He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from February 28, 1982 to present day.  During this time, Jim was blessed to hold a multitude of state-level and local organizational callings within the church to include:  High Priest Group Leader, a First and Second Counselor in the Bishopric, Wilmington Stake High Counsel Member, Ward Clerk, High Priest Group Leader, he was ordained an Elder in June 1983 and ordained a High Priest in July 1988…just to name a few.

Jim also had a deep love for Sneads Ferry, NC.  This love for the place and people led him to be elected President of the Interfaith Community Association in Sneads Ferry, where he was committed to serving the community youth.  He served in this position honorably until calendar year 2021.  This love of Sneads Ferry and the people that reside there was largely due to the woman he met & ultimately married on September 5, 1964…the love of his life, Marian Hayes, who is a native of Sneads Ferry.  Notably, as of this year, Jim and Marian have been happily married for 58 years.

Jim leaves to cherish his loving spirit and memories, his wife Marian Roddy; one son Ret. U.S. Army First Sergeant Gene E. Roddy (spouse Tammy Roddy); one daughter Ret. USAF Master Sergeant Donna M. Williams (spouse Ret USMC Sergeant Major Hayward Williams); 3 grandchildren Ashley Roddy, Derek Roddy, and USAF Staff Sergeant Xavier Roddy (spouse Joi Roddy); and 1 great-grandson Jaxson Roddy.  Those siblings left to mourn his passing include his brother Ret. USMC Sergeant Major Frank Beckton & spouse of Chesapeake, VA., Sister Mary Chaney of Philadelphia, PA, Sister Loretta Corsey of Philadelphia, PA, and Sister Patricia Jacobs & spouse of Palo Alto, CA.  Jim also has a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends that he cherished.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother Ret. USMC Master Sergeant Louis Roddy, and Sister Pearl Roddy-Williams.