Obituary of James Roche

James Edward Roche, age 87, passed away on October 18, 2022 with family at his bedside. He was born in Bronx, NY to the late James and Marie Roche. Jim graduated from Fordham University in 1957 and later earned a master’s degree from Central Michigan University. He served for 29 years in the U.S. Air Force and retired with the rank of Colonel. Jim was a navigator, aircraft maintenance officer, and combat veteran of the Vietnam War. He received numerous medals and commendations including the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Distinguished Presidential Unit Citation. His final assignment at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois was as Director of Maintenance Engineering for the Military Airlift Command. After retirement from the U.S. Air Force, he worked for two defense contractors and was active in his community. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Patricia F. Roche; children Kathleen G. Roche, Elizabeth R. Hatcher (Michael), James M. Roche (Gina), Margaret E. Roche (Michael), Patricia J. Roche (Charles) and Jane Roche King; sister MaryJane Roche; grandchildren Daniel, Colleen and Katherine Hatcher, Caitlin and Brenna Roche, Maeve and Rowan McCurdy, Griffin and Phoebe Carlson, and Madeleine and John King; nephew Gregory J. Roche (Pamela); and cousins and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brother Peter J. Roche.

His Funeral Service will be offered Tuesday morning, October 25th at 11 o’clock from The Godfrey Funeral Home of Egg Harbor Township, 4008 English Creek Avenue, Egg Harbor Township, NJ where friends may call from ten o’clock until the time of service.  Internment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at   https://www.cancer.org/  or to the National Down Syndrome Society, 1155 15^th Street NW, Suite 540, Washington, DC 20005. Arrangements are by The Godfrey Funeral Home of Egg Harbor Township. For condolences to the family, visit www.godfreyfuneralhome.com