James "Bill" William Rouse, Jr.

James William (Bill) Rouse, Jr, 82, of Jacksonville passed away on Saturday October 31, 2020.

Bill was born to James W. Rouse and Elsie Louise Godwin on March 1, 1938 in Kissimmee, FL.  He graduated in 1956 from Dan McCarty High School in Fort Pierce, FL and later received an A.A. From FCCJ.  He was a career Navy man rising from the enlisted ranks to retire as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 after serving for 27 years.  Following his Navy career he led a team in Jacksonville that installed missile g, systems on US Navy ships.

In Jacksonville, he became active in the local Shriners’ Temple and eventually became Potentate of Morocco Shrine.  He dedicated the last years of his life to his family, friends, Shriners, and raising money for their philanthropy, which is the Shriners Hospitals.  He lived by their motto:  Strong legs run, so weak legs can walk.

He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ginger K; two brothers – Kenneth (wife Mary Lee) of Tallahassee and Wayne (wife Lynn) of Fort Pierce;  three sons- James, III (wife Sheila Hodges) of Reston, VA; Wayne E. of Three Forks Ranch, WY; and John M. of Jacksonville;  5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. 

A Memorial Service is planned for Saturday, November 21, at 2:00 pm, at Morocco Shrine's dining room — 3800 St. John’s Bluff Rd., S in Jacksonville. In an abundance of caution the family asks that all attendees PLEASE wear masks for everyone’s protection.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Shriners Hospital for Children at: https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/give/119312/#!/donation/checkout?utm_source=shcmain&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=donatebutton&utm_campaign=shc&c_src=shc&c_src2=main