James von Roden collapsed March 12‚ 2011‚ while responding to the fire station for a brush fire and died later that day.
He was born in Little Rock‚ Arkansas‚ on March 26‚ 1961‚ and had lived in Lee‚ Florida‚ since 1998. He was the owner/operator of Von’s Auto in Madison. He was a member of the Lee First United Methodist Church..
A captain with the Lee Volunteer Fire Department‚ he was also president of the department’s board of directors..
He is survived by his wife‚ Shirley von Roden; daughters‚ Lori Salsgiver Dowdy and Stephanie Kelly; two brothers; a sister; and four grandchildren..
Jim always had a smile on his face and told the best stories. He was an asset to the community‚ always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. He was a caring‚ giving‚ and kind man.
James is my brother and I miss him everday. I do find a great peace in knowing that he passed doing what he loved. I thank your foundation for honoring these brave men and women who sacrificed themselves for their communities. Jimmy was and still to this day my hero. I love you bubba.
– Mark von Roden