James Alan "Jimmy" Rodabaugh, 70, of Weir, KS, passed away on June 8, 2026, at his home.
Jimmy was born on Nov. 18, 1955, to Jack and Patricia O. (Neil) Rodabaugh in Pittsburg, KS. Jimmy lived his life on the farm with his parents until their passing, where he lived with his brother Dan (Pati) since. He never met a person he didn't like.
Jimmy was active in the Special Olympics and part of the New Hope Bulldogs.
Jim participated in basketball, flag football, softball, winter games, track & field, bocce and Sunbelt Rodeo. In 2003 he represented the USA and traveled to Ireland and won the gold medal in the softball throw. He lit the torch for Run Across Kansas at PSU and was also inducted into the Special Olympics Kansas Hall of Fame. The City of Pittsburg also declared a day in his honor.
Jim loved Jesus and he would always pray for peace. Jim loved to greet people as they came into church and hand out bulletins.
Even though he could only read at a first-grade level he always wanted to continue to learn new things daily. He loved gardening, woodworking, especially building birdhouses, and puzzles.
He is survived by a brother, Dan Rodabaugh (Pati) of Weir, KS and three nieces, Jackie Seward (Jason Nutter) of Girard, KS; Amy Vogel (Paul) of Pittsburg, KS, and Lori Perkins (Ryan) of Colorado Springs, CO; six great-nieces and nephews, Taylor Seward, Austin Seward (MariKate), Mercedes Donham (Marcus), Madison Vogel, Tyler Perkins and Colton Perkins; and five great-great nieces who adored him.
He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Bill Rodabaugh.
Celebration of Life for Jim will be on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 10 a.m. in the Lighthouse Church with Pastor Dennis Lorenz officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. before the start of the service. Burial will follow at the Garden of Memories Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the Special Olympics of Kansas and/or Lighthouse Church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS.
