James Arthur Roach

James Arthur Roach, born on August 1, 1940, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Enoch Blakely Roach and Lillie Shiflett Roach, as well as his brothers, Randolph Roach, Enoch Roach Jr., his sister, Marie Roach, and his great-grandson, Suleiman Hussein.

James is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce Roach; his children Rocky Roach and wife Jessica, Joy Roach, James A. Roach Jr., Justice Roach and husband Vitor, and Rebekah Cooke and husband Travis. He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Britany Hussein and husband Omar, Cheyenne Roach, Collin Young, Hannah Yurish and husband Nick, Audrey Moore and husband Cayden, and Daniel Roach and wife Tori, and Olivia Cooke and Sawyer Cooke. As well as a loving great-grandfather to seven great-grandchildren: Ace Whetzel, Rayaan Hussein, Randolph Carneal, Noorhan Hussein, Indy Moore, Anya Moore, and Baby Hussein.

Born in Charlottesville, Virginia, James grew up in Alexandria, Virginia, and for the past 38 years, he made Colonial Beach his home alongside his wife, Joyce. James had many passions, including camping and fishing on the Rappahannock and Potomac Rivers, crabbing, and restoring antique cars, reading and writing. He was an incredibly talented artist, his love for creating oil portraits, clay sculptures, and woodworking. He took great joy in researching his roots, exploring his ancestry, and sharing what he discovered with his family. He also loved watching baseball and attending Washington Nationals games.

James was not only a loving family man and gifted artist, but he was also a living testament to the power of faith. He was truly a walking miracle. After suffering a heart attack at an early age, he endured a long and challenging health journey. Through it all, James never took a moment for granted. His story of survival and healing was one he shared with countless others, offering hope and encouragement to all who knew him. He passionately shared the gospel of Christ and always spoke of how his faith had carried him through every trial.

James was deeply committed to his faith and his family. He led the men's ministry at his church for many years, worked with the youth, and sang in the church choir. For nearly two decades, James volunteered at Mary Washington Hospital’s Sunshine Service, offering comfort and hope to patients and families who were facing their own struggles. He also volunteered at local nursing homes, spreading joy with magic tricks and activities, always brightening the day of those around him.

James was a man who loved his family, his church, and his community. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is now at rest, free from pain and suffering, in the arms of his Lord and Savior.

As we remember James, we find comfort in the words of Revelation 21:4“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

A time and date for celebration of James’ life will be posted at a later date .