Obituaries, March 16, 2023
William “Bill” J. Rodda
William “Bill” J. Rodda was born on March 24, 1938, in Iron River, Michigan, at Stambaugh General Hospital, to James and Esther (Rometti) Rodda. Bill graduated from Iron River High School in 1956 and attended Michigan Technical University in 1960, graduating with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. He would later earn advanced education from Penn State University, Marquette University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T). Bill married Barbara R. Carlson in 1958 and they moved to Houghton, MI while he finished college. While working on his education, he supported his family working in the iron ore mine in Mineral Hills.
Bill accepted his first job at Boeing Company in Seattle, WA, working on the C-135, KC-135, and other special projects. In 1963, he moved to Milwaukee, WI to work for AC Spark Plug, a division of General Motors. He worked in principle project development of the Titan II and III missile systems, the M1 Tank, and AC-130 gunship. Bill would later have direct influence on special projects for the Apollo space missions where he designed the laser rendezvous docking system for Apollo 11. In 1971, he was transferred to ACSP Research Labs in Santa Barbara, CA where he formed an automotive electronics group to work on engine and transmission electronics. During his professional career, Bill was instrumental in spearheading special projects, often classified in nature, that served to support the United States defense systems and space exploration programs.
During this period, Bill and Barbara had four children; Cynthia, who passed away in 2017, Linda, Deborah, and Michelle, who survive. In 1981, Bill was transferred to Delco Electronics in Kokomo, IN. He worked on various assignments and retired in September of 1996 as Executive Director of Worldwide Powertrain Electronics.
Following his retirement, Bill and Barbara traveled extensively visiting Alaska, Singapore, Europe, Australia, Fiji, Panama, Hawaii, and coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea. Family and faith were an important part of Bill’s life and since his relocation to Kokomo, he became a member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church and later joined St. Patrick Catholic Church, where he remained. As an avid football enthusiast, Bill and Barbara were not only fans but are also minority owners of the Green Bay Packers. Bill and Barbara would later spread their time between Indiana and Florida, spending the fall and winters in Cape Coral where Bill enjoyed boating, fishing, golfing, and entertaining friends and family. During the spring and summer months, he would return to Kokomo where he would enjoy watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up – and taking in a golf game or two.
Bill’s family grew over the years. He is survived by his three daughters, Linda (Steve) Schilling, Deborah (Tim) Tackett, and Michelle Heath; brother, John (Lori) Rodda; sister, Mary (Les) Marlowe; ten grandchildren, Daniel (Crystal) Marion, Jessica (Matthew) Campbell, Nicole Marion, Amanda (Miles) Wallace, Jennifer (Zachary) Ledoux, Tyler (Jessica) Fuller, Stephanie (Spencer) Long, Holly Kussow, Rachel Heath, and Dana Heath; along with 16 great-grandchildren, numerous cousins, and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, aunts, uncles, cousins, and four great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 pm, Thursday, March 23, 2023 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1229 N. Washington St., Kokomo, IN, with Fr. Elliott Zak the celebrant. Friends are invited to pray the Rosary with the family at 3:30 pm, Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN, with visitation to follow from 4-6 pm, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joan of Arc and Patrick School. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
James Robert Canady Jr.
James Robert Canady Jr., 73, Fishers, passed away at 5:05 am on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at his home. James was born in Kokomo, on August 31, 1949, to the late James Robert Sr. and Geraldine (King) Canady.
James graduated from Northwestern High School in 1967 and Indiana University Kokomo. He was a teacher for Kokomo Center School Corporation, teaching science and math, and retired after 28 years of service. While teaching for Kokomo Center Schools he coached football, track, and wrestling. James served his country in the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War. He was a proud supporter of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and served as 1st Chairman for the Vietnam Veterans Reunion. He volunteered at St. Joseph Hospital and Fairbanks in Indianapolis. He was an Indianapolis Colts fan, and enjoyed motorcycle rides, hunting, watching sci fi TV, and loved to track the weather.
James is survived by his mother, Geraldine; fiancé, Candace Benson; children, Carrie (Larry) Stone, and Andy (Amanda) Canady; son-in-law, Terry Hendrickson; grandchildren, Justin (Marissa) Stone, Owen Stone, Evan Stone, Nicholas Canady, Nolan Canady, Lana Hendrickson, Connor Hendrickson, and Colton Hendrickson; siblings, Jeff (Jennifer) Canady, Jerry (Rhonda) Canady, Gary Canady (Linda DeVos), and Pat (Judy) Canady; brother-in-law, Dick Taylor; along with several nieces and nephews; and his dog & loyal companion, Rayna.
He was preceded in death by his father; daughter, Allison Hendrickson; sister, Linda Taylor, and former wife, Valerie Canady.
A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Monday, March 20, 2023, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, beginning with military honors provided by the United States Army and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Chaplain Marcus Schrader will be officiating the service. Military Honors will be provided by the United States Army and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team, at 11 am on Monday. Burial will take place in Marion National Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 1 pm to 4 pm on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, support.woundedwarriorproject.org. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.