Somerset – Manuel J. "Jim" Rodrigues, age 85, peacefully passed away, surrounded by his family on May 23rd. Born in Danbury, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Manuel C. and Oliva (Motta) Rodrigues.

Jim met the love of his life, Cynthia (Machado) Rodrigues in 1952 and shortly thereafter, he enlisted into the United States Army, where he proudly served his country during the Korean War.  They married in 1958 and have loved each other since.  Jim was an absolute gentleman and he knew just how to treat a lady, from opening car doors to always remembering how to make Cynthia smile.  He also was a great father, despite not growing up with a father to teach him.  He always tried his best, making sure that he spent time with his boys, James and Michael; he taught them how to fish, learning how to as well, along the way and how to toss a ball. Most importantly, he taught them how to love their families, and showed them that no matter how long of a day he had, or how much he worked, that his family was his number one priority.  Jim was a man with a dedicated work ethic, always keeping more than one job at a time to support his family.  He enjoyed spending time outdoors, trimming the hedges, tiding up or making sure that his son's didn't launch rockets out of the metal shed in the backyard.  In his occasional spare time, Jim would read the bible and he enjoyed listening to Christian Music, especially Jim Reeves and Ann Murray. As Jim got a bit older, he liked to color in adult coloring books, as well as entertain his family by endlessly searching through the channels with his favorite clicker without ever finding a show or movie to watch. He was a supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project and absolutely adored spending time with his grand fur-pups, Maya and Mia.  Most of all he was an amazing husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and will be so deeply missed.

Besides the love of his life, Cynthia, he is survived by his children; James Rodrigues and his wife Doreen of Somerset and Michael Rodrigues of North Carolina; his grandchildren; James Rodrigues, Kristen Rodrigues, Michael Rodrigues and Katelin Leece; and his great grandchildren; Leonardo Aljandro and Piper Leece.  He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings.

The Manuel Rogers Funeral Home is assisting the family with private arrangements.  To share a memory or offer a condolence please visit www.rogersfuneral.com