Jim Roddey, Allegheny County's first chief executive, dies at 91
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Former Allegheny County Executive Jim Roddey has died.
Roddey served as Allegheny County's first chief executive from 2000 to 2004 and was once the chairman of the county's Republican party. He died on Thursday. Roddey was 91 years old.
He served on the boards of many companies and organizations, including Turner Communications and Rollins Communications. Roddey graduated from Texas Christian University and was a former captain in the United States Marine Corps.
In a statement, current Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato said Roddey "left an incredible mark on Southwestern Pennsylvania."
"We offer our condolences to the Roddey family as they grieve during this difficult time. Jim Roddey left an indelible mark on Southwestern Pennsylvania, through his business acumen, philanthropy, and public service. With his passing, we remember his commitment not only to this region as a political and civic leader, but also to our nation through his time in the Marines. As the first Allegheny County Executive he shaped how a government of 6,000 employees, now with a $3 billion annual budget, serves more than a million of our neighbors across Allegheny County. We are, and will continue to be, grateful for his service."
Roddey served one term as Allegheny County executive and is still the only Republican elected chief executive. He was defeated by Dan Onorato in 2004.
"The passing of Jim Roddey is the end of an era for Allegheny County. While he and I may have been from different political parties, we were firmly aligned on creating a community where families could thrive and businesses could prosper," Onorato said in a statement on Thursday night. "During my eight years as Allegheny County Executive, I considered him both a friend and a supporter. His counsel was wise, and his wit was contagious. Jim was someone who achieved what I have long believed are the most important measures of success – a balance of career, family, friends, and zest for life."
In a statement, Councilman Sam DeMarco, chairman of the Allegheny County Republican Party, remembered Roddey's dedication to public service.
"Long before he came to Pittsburgh, Jim Roddey was a pioneering businessman and a Marine Corps veteran. Once here, he established himself as a civic leader unlike any other. Not only did he chair the Allegheny County Port Authority; he instructed board members to ride the buses and fully understand the needs of their riders.
"It was as a leader of the Allegheny County Republican Committee that Jim helped to reimagine a once-moribund party and turn it into a force for change. He confounded the political experts by being elected – as a Republican in a Democrat county – the first-ever Allegheny County Executive.
"There is not a Republican in office today in our region who does not owe a debt to the strength, imagination and optimism of James C. Roddey. We are so fortunate that this son of the South became the father of the modern Republican Party in Allegheny County."
Rich Fitzgerald, who served as Allegheny County executive from 2012 to 2024, released a statement on Thursday, saying in part:
"Jim helped to usher in the County's new government in 2000 and served our community in so many ways. From his philanthropic efforts to improving our economic climate, the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and all of Southwestern Pennsylvania was made a better place to work and live because of his public service."
