Mr. John Jack Hardin Rochelle

1923 - 2011

High Point, NC – One of High Point’s great personalities, furniture Industry legend, passionate outdoorsman, and patriot, John “Jack” Hardin Rochelle, died on March 16th in Florida after battling courageously with his declining health. Jack was beloved and mourned by his loving family, his many friends, business associates, long-term dining companions at the String and Splinter Club Head Table, his hunting buddies and his dogs. Jack’s passing in many respects represents the passing of an era, a time in which great men with vision, power of personality and character could transform a country, a community and an industry… Jack was one of these men.

Mr. Rochelle, 87, was born on October 18th 1923 to Mr. and Mrs. John Hardin in Jamestown, NC. He lost his father at an early age and was nurtured and cared for by his Mother and a close cadre of his father’s friends who mentored and raised him to be a young man of resource, energy and ambition. Jack’s Mother later remarried to T.V. Rochelle who adopted Jack and inspired his life long passion for the furniture industry. Jack gained a well-earned reputation as both an athlete and a young man who loved and worked well with horses. In time he became one the top equestrians in the state and supported himself and his family by training and showing horses for businessmen in the community.

Jack distinguished himself as a student, an athlete and a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity at Davidson College, he moved on to the University of Georgia where he served as President of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and Head of the ROTC Cavalry Unit. He later attended the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor where he studied furniture design. Upon the outbreak of the Second World War like many of his generation he joined the Army and received his commission as an Officer. He had the rare distinction of serving in the last Horse Calvary Regiment in the US Army where he remained until they transitioned into tanks which Jack did not favor. He transferred into the infantry and ultimately served as a Captain in the legendary Office of Strategic Services (O.S.S.) which was the precursor to the Central Intelligence Agency (C.I.A.).

Jack served with indigenous forces in China where they fought against the invading Imperial Army of Japan. Jack’s extraordinary service for his country under very challenging environmental and military circumstances was the stuff of legend. One of Jack’s fondest memories of the war was his chance encounter in the Burma Theatre with his old friend Willis Slane who was a pilot in the Army Air Corps flying the “Burma Hump.” Jack’s dedication to his men, his disregard for his own safety and his stellar service to his country defined him as a true patriot, a hero and a member of what has been aptly called our “Greatest Generation.”

After returning from the war Jack married his sweetheart, Gloria Ilderton whom he loved and raised a family with for over 64 years. Jack began a storied career in the furniture industry as he followed in his step-father’s footsteps when he became President of the Globe Furniture Company where he

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helped build the organization into one of the leading furniture manufacturers in the industry. Jack went on to become a respected and well known leader in the furniture

industry and was part of the leadership group that guided the Industry during the golden years of manufacturing in High Point.

Jack’s great love and life-long passion for the outdoors led to generations of hunting trips, horse shows and dogs that have become legend among his family and friends. Jack had a life-long commitment to the Sedgefield Hunt Club, he was a champion shooter at the High Point Skeet Club and he was recognized many times for his commitment to conservation and the preservation of his beloved retreat, “Wild Wing” in Thomasville, North Carolina. Jack’s friends and family have great memories of afternoons spent at the lodge that was always filled with life-long friends, cigars, dogs and refreshments. Jack was particularly dedicated to his two favorite dogs, “Lum” and “Teddy Bear.”

The community benefitted greatly from Jack’s leadership and love of High Point which was manifested in his involvement in the establishment of the Furniture Club, the String and Splinter Club, the Emerywood Country Club where he served as President, and the Sedgefield Country Club. He was also well known and respected for the generous support and leadership he gave to a multitude of nonprofit organizations in our community. He was a life-long member of the Rotary Club and was very proud to be a lifetime member of the Board of Directors of the International Home Furniture Center.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Gloria Ilderton Rochelle and his daughters; Ashley R. Culler who is married to Braxton Culler of High Point, Rosie Marie Boone who is married to Lee Boone, Jr. of High Point and Julie Rochelle-Stephens of Ashville, NC. His Grandchildren include; Kimberly Culler Combs, R. Braxton “Brack” Culler IV who is married to Caroline C. Culler, John “Josh” Rochelle Culler, Spencer Boone, Jackson Boone, Caroline Boone, Maya R. Stephens, Taylor R. Gilfillan who is married to Mark Gilfillan, Mariah Rochelle-Stephens and 7 great grandchildren.

It has been said that all men die, but few men really live. Jack Rochelle embraced life with a gusto and passion that touched many and left us all with many great memories and wonderful stories of a man who was often larger than life and truly loved and enjoyed his friends and family.

A Memorial Service will be conducted at 11am Monday, March 21, 2011 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church Chapel on Montlieu Avenue with the Reverend Father Vincent E. Smith, O.S.F.S. presiding. Burial of cremains will follow at the Oakwood Memorial Park Cemetery in High Point. The family will receive friends following the services at 1214 Woodland Place, High Point. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Pennyburn at Maryfield, 109 Penny Road, High Point, NC 27260 in Jack’s honor.

Sechrest Funeral Service of High Point is handling the arrangements. On line condolences may be sent to the Rochelle family at www.sechrestfunerals.com