James A. Rodda

Mr rodda was the best high school principal one thing I can say is I was gonna drop out just one week from graduating and I handed him my paper saying I was dropping out he refused to accept it and talk me out of it there was a issue I had with a student but he help me get through it and I graduated I definitely miss him he was a good principal

Posted by Michelle beirne on April 29, 2023

He was always Coach Rodda to me, one of the most influential people for many people growing up in Honesdale. I had him in class in both middle and high school, which enabled me to get to know him on multiple levels. As a coach, though, he was the best. His voice could be heard two fields away, and one time during a game, I heard that voice up close and personal as he pulled me out for one play, “encouraged” me to please stop the running back that kept running by me, and I went back in fired up and made several tackles after that. I’ve always remembered his voice echoing inside that helmet. He knew how to motivate us and also just how to talk to us and show that he cared. He really meant a lot to all of us, and I’m tearing up as I write this. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Barb and Jimmy. He was well-respected by all and lives Inside all of us. I’m a better man because I knew him.

Posted by Lee Spoor on June 3, 2020

So sorry to hear about Mr. Rodda’s passing. Had the honor of being coached by him and he had a significant impact on me. I truly respected him even as an immature teenager, which is really saying something. I am sure he leaves a large hole in many lives and the world is a poorer place without him.

Posted by Bob Tietjen on May 28, 2020

The man was an inspiration and true hero!

Posted by Mickey Brdar on May 27, 2020

I was deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Rodda. Mr. Rodda was an amazing person and an inspiration to many. He will be missed by so many. Mr Rodda was a man who deeply cared for all of his students. He shaped many of us of who we are today. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Rodda Family and those that knew Mr. Rodda. May all of you find peace and comfort in this difficult time.

Posted by Melinda Januszko on May 27, 2020

I am so sorry for your loss Barbara. He was my favorite teacher in High School, well respected and loved by all of us.

Posted by Ann Matesi on May 26, 2020

Barb and Jimmy, So sorry to hear of your loss , our thoughts and prayers are with you , please know whatever we can do will always be there.

Posted by Cindy Reed on May 26, 2020

Hearing of Jims passing stirred many childhood memories, funny stories and waves of deep sadness. Jim and I grew up together in the Heights section of Wilkes-Barre. As children we explored the woods in Bearcreek and went fishing with Jim’s Dad. Perhaps it was our early interest in the woods and nature that would lead us both to build homes in Wayne County decades later. Jim and I were classmates, teammates on the football team at GAR and graduated together 50 years ago followed by college at Wilkes. When we were adults, Jim was the principal where my children went to school. I often sought his counsel as did many others who knew him in his professional life. There was never a man more suited to a job. I will miss your exuberant personality, your wise judgment and your friendship.

Posted by Donald R Pugh on May 25, 2020

I remember Mr. Rodda as my principal from almost 20 years ago. He was always professional and well respected. I’m sorry to hear the news, my condolences to his family.

Posted by Jay Patel on May 25, 2020

Mr Rodda was a great leader but he earned respect as a leader from caring and the kindness he showed to so many. An intelligent teacher, a strong coach to many and an inspiration to all.. Those who Shared any big or small part of his life were truly blessed.

Posted by Tami Giles on May 25, 2020

I remember Mr. Rodda well! During my time in grade school, he was an outstanding principal. He remembered names and greeted students with such joy and happiness. I am so sorry for your family’s loss. I respected him greatly!!

Posted by Heather on May 25, 2020

I am so saddened by the passing of Jim Rodda. My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to the family in times of need. Barb and Jimmy you already know what a good man he was. He was a huge inspiration to me as a high school athlete and a great motivator. I am forever grateful for having him as a part of my life. He will always be remembered. My deepest sympathy as you go through these very hard times.

Posted by Steve langendoerfer on May 25, 2020

Thoughts are with you and the family. So sorry for your loss.

Posted by Sue and Joe Pasquini on May 24, 2020

It's been a pretty rough last couple of days just trying to wrap my head around the thought that I will never see Jim again. He was always a rock that could hold up to any adversity. And like another good friend of mine, Dan O Neill, I thought they would live forever. Whether it was sports, our vocation of teaching or blood, he was and always will be a true brother of mine. Condolences to Barb and Jimmy. I will be praying for you...Chooch

Posted by Richard Chulada on May 24, 2020

Dear Barb & Jimmy - we are very saddened to hear of Jim's passing. I enjoyed coaching football with him back in the 80's. Our Sons thought the world of him. You are in our thoughts at this very difficult time. Again, our sincere condolences. Rest in peace Jim for a life well spent. Bob and Anne Lynch

Posted by Bob & Anne Lynch on May 24, 2020

I was sad to hear of his passing! Great man gone too soon! My condolences to his family!

Posted by Heather (Smith) Demarest on May 24, 2020

My thoughts with his family and friends. Mr. Rodda will certainly be missed by many. He was principal at HHS when I was there. He was someone you could always talk to no matter the situation and would go above and beyond to help anyone.

Posted by Dale J Tuttle on May 24, 2020

So sorry to hear of Mr. Rodda's passing. He was such a wonderful educator and Vice Principal when I was in high school. My condolences to his family.

Posted by Kelly on May 24, 2020

Sad to hear of the passing of Mr. Rodda. He had a booming, yet kind voice. He was a great leader for all of the young folks who passed through the halls in Honesdale. Prayers to Mrs. Johnson Rodda and their son in this trying time. Robin

Posted by Robin Spangenberg on May 24, 2020

What A Beautiful Life . Condolences To The Family

Posted by Mike Moffitt on May 24, 2020

So sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family

Posted by sue and tom conti on May 24, 2020

Worked with Jim at the Honesdale pool, long ago. So sorry to hear of his passing.

Posted by Beck Pierson on May 24, 2020

I had the pleasure of working with Jim at Wayne Highlands! He was a true gentleman and a wonderful, fair administrator! My deepest condolences to his family! Lynda Williams

Posted by Lynda Williams on May 24, 2020

We were sad to hear of The passing of Mr Rodda he was loved and respected by many and will be missed Prayers and thoughts to his family God Bless

Posted by Nick and Cathy Giannetti on May 24, 2020

Dear Barb and Jimmy, I am deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. Through my husband, I knew of Jim, and spent time with him during the early years of his career in education. He was a wonderful individual, dedicating his life to his passions- education, sports, community and family. Please accept my sincere condolences. With Sympathy, Bev Jenkins

Posted by Beverly Jenkins on May 24, 2020

I am sorry about your loss he was the best guy to talk to if u need anything let me know cousin Barbara

Posted by Kristina O\'Neill on May 24, 2020

Words could never describe the man Jim Rodda was so this will fall terribly short of its intended purpose. Simply put , Jim was one of the greatest men I have ever come to know thus far in my life time and I am certainly a better man better off having crossed paths with him over the years. I will never forget his intense energy and his sincere love of his family and the community he served. With Jim’s passing , the sun now rises and sets on a world which is certainly worse off . My sincere condolences to his family and friends of which he has many. One thing I know for sure is there isn’t a pheasant that’s safe in heaven today with Jim and Peaches reunited......

Posted by Phil Yzeik on May 23, 2020

I met Jim some 45 years ago when I was 12 years old. He took such great care of those he loved and was relentless in his devotion to his wife Bobbie during her illness many years ago. It's such heartbreaking news to hear of his passing. May God bless you all and praying for your peace. He was a wonderful guy. Aimee Tagle Holevinski

Posted by Aimee Tagle Holevinski on May 23, 2020