James C. Roach was born in Houston, TX on September 10, 1928 and lived in Willis, TX for the past 16 years. He passed away Thursday, December 19, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. In his 85 years, Jim never met a stranger. Always quick to greet everyone with a big smile and a warm handshake, he lived a life devoted to God and Family, Country and Community. Jim served in the US Navy during the Korean War. In 1952, Jim married the love of his life, Dot. In 61 years of marriage they raised four wonderful children: Jim Roach, Jr., Cynthia Gardner (Larry), Tricia White (Steve), and Philip Roach (Bridgett). He welcomed his Father- and Mother-in-laws into his home for 15 years. His has eight loving grandchildren, Ed Day (Wendy), Tricia Haley (Greg), Matt Gardner, Jacque White, Spencer White, Lindsie Roach, Ty Reynolds (Nubia), and Candice Vieira (Josh) affectionately knew him as “Gackie”, “PawPaw”, Grand Pa Roach and Grand Pa Jim. He is survived by his brother, Joseph Elliot Roach (Joann), and five great-grandchildren, Ajax Day, Robbie, Evalynn, Sadie, and Lilly Reynolds.
Jim attended St. Anne’s Elementary School and St. Thomas High School in Houston. He graduated from Texas A&I in Kingsville, TX with a BS in Secondary Education in Industrial Arts and a minor in Fine Arts. He earned his Driver’s Education Certificate and his Masters in Education Administration (Principal’s Certificate) from the University of Houston. He went on to earn his Vocational Certificate and Marketing Co-Op from Texas A&M and Prairie View A&M. After several years in a variety of sales and other positions, Jim taught high school Industrial Arts (Woodshop and Drafting), Vocational Industrial Co-Operative Training & CVAE and Driver’s Education, at the Houston, Cypress-Fairbanks and Bellville school districts for 23 years. After his retirement, Jim continued to serve his community as a substitute schoolteacher when he wasn’t on the golf course.
Jim Roach embodied the ideal of his generation, known as the Greatest Generation. He was a devoted father and husband, a kind and generous grandfather, and a good servant of God. He will be missed.
Services:
Dec 23: Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home
5:00 – 8:00 PM Public viewing
7:00 PM Rosary service
Dec 24: 10:00 AM Funeral Mass at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 2140 Westheimer, Houston, Texas 77098
- Reception for all immediately following Mass in St. Basil Hall at St. Anne’s
1:00 PM Procession from St. Anne’s to Internment at Houston National Cemetery
1:45 PM Interment ceremony
Donations may be made in his name to St. Thomas High School, 4500 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77007
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