James Edward Rodenfels

James (Jim) Rodenfels passed peacefully on March 6, 2025, surrounded by family in his home in Fort Myers, Florida. Jim was an avid genealogist and would appreciate the inclusion of his life's details.

He was born in Washington Courthouse, Ohio, on December 14th, 1952, to Paul and Roberta (née Hazard) Rodenfels. He grew up in Washington Courthouse, where he obtained his pilot's license at age 14. He graduated from high school at Culver Military Academy in Indiana in 1971. He then attended college at The Ohio State University, but earned his bachelor’s degree at Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio.

He met Janice “Teddy” Green while at OSU, and they married on April 26th, 1975. They had two sons, David and Benjamin, while living in Columbus, where Jim worked for the Huntington Bank, beginning as a teller and working his way up to V.P. for estate and trust taxes.

The family moved to Fort Myers, Florida, in 1992, where Jim co-owned and operated, with his brothers Rob and Tom, the Skyline Chili franchises in Fort Myers and Naples. These franchises provided first jobs for his children, many of his nieces and nephews (Brady, Gates, Angie, Nicole, and Kelli Rodenfels), and several great-nieces and nephews (Victoria and Rob Arfmann; and Justin, Morgan, and Lucy Bailey).

Florida suited Jim’s love of nature, and he was active in the local Audubon Society for decades. He also enjoyed kayaking and leading nature hikes. Per Jim’s wishes, he will soon become part of a coral reef off the coast of Florida.

Jim was predeceased by his parents and by his brother, Tom. Jim loved his family deeply and doted on his grandchildren. Jim is survived by his wife, Teddy; brothers Rob (Kat) and Dan; sister-in-law Norma Rodenfels; children Dave (Janelle) and Ben (Angela); and his beloved grandchildren, Nora and Asher Rodenfels. Jim is also survived by many loved nieces and nephews, and by extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either Audubon Society of Southwest Florida: https://www.crowdstake.com/donate/audubon-of-southwest-florida-inc Or Temple Beth El of Fort Myers: https://www.templebethel.com/payment.php