Locals Mourn: Jim Dandy Icon, Donna Rolen, Has Passed Away
It is impossible to report this story without sincere sadness combined with so many fond memories. All of us at SCDN along with our local partners in business send our deepest love and respect to the family. You all are in our thoughts and we love you.
We will start with the announcement that came from Roger W Davis Funeral Home.
Her Obituary Reads:
Donna Lou Rolen, 82 of Portsmouth died Thursday, November 26, 2020, at Southern Ohio Medical Center. She was born August 8, 1938, in Portsmouth to the late Charles and Dorothy Reeder Moore. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by a daughter Debra Lou Traylor, 2 brothers Robert and Charles Moore Jr., and a sister Joann Ryan.
Donna was the proud owner of Jim Dandy Drive-In Restaurant for 37 years until her retirement in 2000.
She is survived by 3 daughters; Kathy Sue Rolen, Veronica (Joe) Whitt, and Cindy (Keith) Damron, 4 grandchildren; Krystal Wilson, Erin Carson, Ronnie Whitt, and Caylee Damron, and 5 great-grandchildren; Dylan Wilson, Kristen Wilson, Raclynn Whitt, Camsley Sadler, and Crace Sadler, and another one on the way.
Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Monday, November 30, 2020, at the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth with interment in Memorial Burial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday starting at 11:00 AM. Condolences may be sent to www.rogerwdavisfuneralhome.com
The Customers Speak
“Visiting family for a brief weekend, our little crew felt the need for lunch. We decided to go to an old eatery that has been around for longer than I have, Jim Dandy. My mother used to work at Jim Dandy’s many years ago. She said that other than door placement and the parking lot, not much has changed. It brought back a lot of memories for her. The food was good and the staff was friendly. I love eating at a place with a good long history. Mom and pop places are the best. I recommend the Big Mo. If you are hungry and need a place to eat, let Jim Dandy come to your rescue!” – Rome M Taylors, South Carolina
“Good burgers & fries. Our waitress was cheery & efficient” -Peg W. Caddo Valley, AR
“My order today was ready in under five minutes and tasted fresh as always” -Jeremy H, Wavery, OH
“GREAT FOOD!!! Prices can’t be beat. Small cute place! Super fast, friendly service. O’ yea you can get service in your car if you prefer not to go in. Like an old fashion drive-in. Make a stop here” -Andy G., Cincinnati, OH
“Jim Dandy is one of the most wonderful and sweet places in Portsmouth, Ohio. They’ve been around for a long time and have been the relaxation place of many elders and older adults. Their burgers are good, sundaes are filled to the brim with fudge (or caramel) I can’t get over the great food and friendliness here.” Restaurant Just Information Website
“No matter how I order my food, by phone for pickup or delivery, or if I just pull in and order, they’re always fast, always smiling and polite” Restaurant Just Information Website
From “The Google”
“Personally, I love their food. The corn nuggets are awesome. The service is fast, even delivery is super fast. You don’t even have to get out of your car. They will come to you, take your order and bring it to you quickly. Not very many places have carhops these days. You can get a burger and drink for a couple dollars without getting out of your car or waiting in line forever. Way better than McDonald’s…by far. They have amazing prices. Try them.” -William Riley
“One of the finest restaurants in Portsmouth food is excellent workers a good to talk to you a great place to eat” -Mike DeLong
Jim Dandy Icon, Donna Rolen, Has Passed Away Jim Dandy Icon, Donna Rolen, Has Passed Away
