My Name is Dusty Rogers speaking on behalf of Andrue, Alex, Tyler & Bailey,

On Friday, August 8, our dad and brother, J.C., took his life with a gun during a moment of deep anguish.

He was rushed to the hospital and kept on life support until Tuesday, August 12. We’re sharing this openly to honor his truth and prevent rumors.

The exact reasons for J.C.’s decision may never be fully known. What we do know is that he carried heavy burdens and fought a difficult battle with alcohol for many years. Still, that was not the whole story of who he was.

J.C. loved the Chicago Bears, coaching baseball, and golf. He had a big personality that filled every room, and he seemed to know someone everywhere he went. Music was another passion, especially 90s rap like Tupac and DMX, whose honesty and intensity mirrored his own energy and love for life.

We are raising funds to help with J.C.’s funeral expenses. Anything beyond the cost of the funeral will be donated to NAMI Dubuque, an organization that supports mental health and works to prevent suicide. It’s our way of making sure his story can help others facing dark moments.

If you are able to contribute, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

In memory of J.C., we share these words from DMX:

“If it takes for me to suffer, for my brother to see the light, give me pain ’til I die, but please Lord, treat him right,”

If you’re hurting right now, please know-you are not alone, and you are worth reaching for help.

Thank you,

Andrue, Bailey, Alex and Tyler.