Jim Rose

Jim Rose, 76, died Wednesday morning at a local hospital following a lengthy illness. Born James A. Rose on August 17, 1935 to Oscar and Ruby Rose, he was a civic leader and prominent builder both in Abilene and throughout the state. He retired as president and ceased business of Rose Builders Inc. about three years ago. A memorial service will be held Friday, January 13, at 11:00 a.m., at Church of the Heavenly Rest, Episcopal, The Rev. N. Luke Back, Rector, officiating, directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Rose was a graduate of Abilene High School Class of 1953, of which he was president. He graduated from the University of Texas in 1958 with a degree in business, and immediately joined his father's firm, Rose Construction Company. While in Clarendon successfully bidding on and then overseeing a construction job, he met his future wife, Karen Knorpp. During his 50-year career as a major builder, he was with Rose Construction Company, Rose and Sons Inc. along with his brother-in-law, Dean Henninger, and, beginning in 1990, Rose Builders Inc. Projects in which Rose participated during his career have included continuing major additions and new construction at Hendrick Medical Center, such as the present ER facilities, trauma and cancer centers and the southeast or Collier Wing. Virtually all new construction at HMC during the past 75 years has been done by one of the Rose firms. All three local universities have expanded through major projects such as Abilene Christian University's Brown Library and Don Morris Center. Church renovations and additions such as Holy Family Catholic Church, University Baptist Church and First Central Presbyterian Church. Renovations and new construction throughout Abilene Independent School District such as at Mann, Madison, Clack, Johnston and Cooper High School, as well as renovations to Shotwell Stadium were completed, along with Wylie High School, Day School of Abilene and The Hamil Family Funeral Home, and Regional Airport and City Hall renovations. Also, construction of the Fairway Oaks clubhouse and facilities and at least three major renovations at Abilene Country Club. Easily among the largest and better known buildings with which he was associated were the 20-story First State Building, now known as Enterprise Center, and Taylor County Courthouse. As Rose Builders Inc. 1990-2008, projects include the sprawling Abilene Industrial Park west of town, begun with four buildings, and Jim Ned High School, Clyde High School and Abilene's Central Fire Station. Other notable Rose projects down through the years were Old Jail Art Center in Albany and Rolling Plains Trauma Center in Sweetwater. Rose was past president of The Exchange Club, Abilene Construction Association, St. John's School Board and UT Ex-Students of Abilene. He is a former warden of St. Mark's Episcopal Church. He was very active in the Associated General Contractors (AGC). He served as president of the West Texas Chapter in the mid-1970s, followed by several years as chair of the Labor Committee. In 1982 he was elected to represent the chapter as state director and president. In 1983 he served on the national AGC Labor Committee. Two years later he was elected an AGC national director. Survivors include Karen Rose, his wife of 48 years of Abilene; a son, Jeff Rose of Abilene; a daughter, Katie Gloyna and her husband Myrick Gloyna of San Antonio; a grandson, James Gloyna of San Antonio; and a sister, Sue Henninger of Abilene. Preceding him in death were a son, Kelly Rose, and his brother, Earl Rose. Memorials may be made to Church of the Heavenly Rest, Episcopal, 602 Meander, Abilene, TX 79602; West Texas Rehabilitation Center, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605; or the donor's charity of choice.