Jim Rodgers was born in Belfast in January 1943. He worked as the general manager of a training organisation in Belfast, after previous roles in stock-brokering and the linen industry.

Rodgers was first elected to Belfast City Council in 1993, representing the Ulster Unionist Party. Rodgers served as Lord Mayor in 2001 and 2007. He was appointed as High Sheriff of Belfast in 2016.

Rodgers was elected to the Northern Ireland Forum in 1996. He was elected on a number of occasions as an honorary officer of the Ulster Unionist Council.

A keen football supporter, Rodgers was a chief scout and youth development officer for Glentoran Football Club between 1975 and 1994. Rodgers played football for both Bangor and Portadown. In 2001, he was appointed to an advisory board for local football.

Rodgers was awarded an OBE for public service in 2002.