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Biography
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CHILDHOOD |
 Rod was born in Desoto, Missouri, to Bill and Judy Jetton. Rod's father is a Baptist Minister. During his younger years his father worked at churc hes in the panhandle of Texas and eastern New Mexico. In Rod's junior high and senior high years, he served in many churches throughout Southeast Missouri. Rod's religious upbringing taught him the importance of hard work and faith in God. His parents just finished serving as missionaries in South Africa. |
HIGH SCHOOL |
 Rod graduated from Charleston High School in 1986. He attended Cape Girardeau public schools from 6th to 9th grade but transferred during his freshman year when his father became pastor of Southside Baptist Church in Charleston. Rod was a four-year letterman on the cross country and track teams. William McCall and Rod were selected as the co-most valuable team member his senior year and he set the school two mile record with a time of 9:52. Rod enjoys music and singing and he played Sky Masterson in the school musical Guys and Dolls his senior year. He was also the senior class treasurer. |
COLLEGE |
 Rod was awarded a college scholarship for cross country and track to attend Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri. He graduated in May 1990, with a double major in history and political science. Rod loves running and was a 4-year letterman and captain of the cross country and track teams. His f irst interest in politics started in student government where he was elected to several offices ending his service as the Student Body President his senior year. Rod has said the best thing he did at college was to marry Cassie James during his junior year. |
POLITICAL BACKGROUND |
| After college, Rod joined Congressman Bill Emerson's campaign team as a field coordinator. He gained valuable experience in local grass roots politics and in part, because of his efforts Bill Emerson was able to carry Reynolds County for the first time. Rod also learned from Bill that being a leader and representing the people required hard work and an ability to listen to their concerns. Rod has used that experience as a commissioner and State Representative to help all citizens regardless of their party or status. He believes the issues affecting our citizens are bigger than any political party. |
MARINE CORPS SERVICE |
 Rod joined the United States Marine Corps and served as an Infantry Officer for four years. He was stationed in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and was in volved in the Bosnia and Somalia operations. After finishing his tour in 1995, Rod received an honorable discharge. The Marine Corps taught Rod the importance of teamwork and gave him a better understanding of the sacrifices our veterans have made for this country. |
COMMISSIONER & SMALL BUSINESS EXPERIENCE |
After leaving the Marine Corps, Rod started Jetton James Real Estate Company with his father-in-law. Running a small business has shown Rod how overbearing our state's taxes and regulations have become. As a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the NFIB, he has been a vigorous advocate of cutting taxes and reducing needless regulations.
In 1996, Rod was elected to the Bollinger County Commission. He became the youngest County Commissioner in the state at that time. While county governments have seen spending rise dramatically over the past few years, Rod worked to cut costs. Bollinger County remained in the black during his term, in part because of Rod's willingness to work with the other commissioners in their efforts to account for every dollar. He also worked to keep citizens informed of the county's activities by having town hall meetings throughout the district and writing a column in the newspaper. |
STATE REPRESENTATIVE |
 In 2000, Rod ran for and won a seat in the Missouri House of Representatives where he is currently serving. In just his second term, he was chosen Speaker Pro Tem of the Missouri House. On January 5 th 2005, Rod was sworn in as the 70th Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives. As Speaker, Rod's priorities include improving the economic climate in the state, reform of a run away legal system, ensuring quality medical care for all Missourians and giving every child an excellent education. Rod is working to bring a more bi-partisan environment to the legislature. In his efforts to make better laws for all Missourians, Rod has changed the legislative process to make sure everyone's voices are heard. |
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
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| Rod takes an active part in the betterment of his community and is a member of New Salem Baptist Church, Chamber of Commerce, Optimist Club, Christian Coalition, VFW Post 5900, Farm Bureau, National Rifle Association and National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). The Bollinger County Chamber of Commerce gave Rod the "One Year VIP Business Achievement Award" in 1998 for his leadership and service to the community. |
FAMILY |
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In 1988, Rod married Cassie James.Together they are raising three children, Callie, Elaine and Will. Cassie has been a full partner with Rod in caring for the household and the children when he was away on deployments while in the Marine Corps. Now that Rod is serving the public, she manages the apprasial company and has been instrumental in its success. |
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