CW2 James A. Rogers Jr.

Chief Warrant Officer Two James Arnold Rogers, Jr. died Dec 5, 2019, when the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter he was flying crashed southwest of St. Cloud, MN.

James was born June 23, 1991, in Madelia, MN, the son of James A. Rogers, Sr. and Beth A. Rogers (Hoffman), and a brother to Candis Folkens (Rogers). He graduated from Saint James High School in 2010, and Saint Cloud State University in December 2019. Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2) Rogers joined the Minnesota Army National Guard in June 2009, as a field artillery automated tactical data system specialist with the 1-125FA in New Ulm. He completed the warrant officer basic course in May 2013, was commissioned as a WO1, and attended UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter flight school at Fort Rucker, AL, which he completed in August 2014.

CW2 Rogers was deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from May 2011 to May 2012, and again from June 2018 to June 2019 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom/Inherent Resolve. James’ awards include: the Air Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2nd award), Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (2nd Award), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd award), Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M (mobilized) Device, Basic Aviator Badge, the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Minnesota State Active Duty (3rd Award), Minnesota Service Ribbon (2nd Award), and the Minnesota Good Conduct Ribbon.

James was an outgoing and charismatic man with a larger than life personality. Though he was already quite accomplished for a man of his age, his future plans were even greater. He was preparing to attend flight school to add fixed wing commercial aircraft to his skill set, and hoped to further his education by attending either law school or pursuing an MBA. James and his Uncle Jake had even started a real estate investment company in recent years. James loved spending time with friends and family and could always be counted on for a practical joke, a great laugh, friendly smile, or a kind word just when you needed it the most.

He is survived by his loving parents, James and Beth Rogers; sister Candis Folkens; brother-in-law Bryan Folkens; grandmother Patricia Hoffman; and 19 aunts and uncles.