Project & Program Updates
Remembering Jim Roddey, Former JHF Board Member and Allegheny County’s First Executive
The Jewish Healthcare Foundation (JHF) paid tribute to Jim Roddey, a business executive and community leader, at its first Board meeting of 2024, recognizing his humor, dedication to the community, and commitment to public service.
Jim served on the JHF Board from 1994-2000. JHF President and CEO Karen Wolk Feinstein, PhD noted these were challenging times in the early years of JHF. Jim's sense of humor and keen strategic instincts were invaluable. Overall, his impact on the Foundation was immense, as was his impact on Pittsburgh.
"Jim came to our city to work on Pittsburgh Outdoor Advertising. He had previously worked with Ted Turner and, as I remember, told him there wasn't a future in cable TV. That, I assume, is why Jim had to leave Atlanta," remembers Dr. Feinstein. "A Texan who never lost his accent, Jim liked to tell us about his mother – who according to Jim—rode around on horseback well into her nineties shooting rattlesnakes."
Although he built a good career in communications, he also engaged in politics. He worked on the amendment that changed the County Government from a three-person committee to a single County Executive. Then he ran for County Executive and won. He was the only Republican to do so to this day.
As County Executive, he engaged the Foundation in his pathbreaking work in revolutionizing local nursing homes, senior centers, and county parks.
"Jim loved Pittsburgh, and Pittsburgh loved him back," said Dr. Feinstein. "He was the eternal and everywhere master of ceremonies where his jokes would often upstage even the best program. A likable, one-of-a-kind, loyal, and wickedly intelligent friend. He will be missed. He cannot be replaced."Related Posts
By accepting you will be accessing a service provided by a third-party external to https://www.jhf.org/