James E Roach Jr.

James E. Roach, 91, died Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at home in Atlanta, surrounded by his family. He was born September 8, 1925 in Chicago to Cecile D. and James E. Roach Sr. Mr. Roach joined the Navy serving in the Pacific Theater during World War II. While studying engineering at the University of Alabama, he met the love of his life, Patricia Bagwell. After graduation, they married at Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta. He worked for Lockheed Aeronautics in Marietta for more than 35 years, retiring in 1990. Mr. Roach has four children: Cecilia Roach of Atlanta; Daniel (wife Joanne) Roach of Fernandina Beach, FL, Michael Roach of Fernandina Beach, FL; and Mary Roach of Conyers, GA. He cherished his five grandchildren: Kristin Roach of Winston-Salem, NC; Daniel (wife Ashley) Roach, Dresden Jones (husband Ryan), and Wyatt Roach, all of Fernandina Beach, FL; and Breanna Roach of Hilton Head Island, SC. This year, he welcomed his first great-grandchild, Palmer Jones. Mr. Roach was an active member of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish as a Lector at Sunday Mass and member of the Finance Committee. He joyfully served as a Scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts, relishing the opportunity to influence young scouts’ lives for the better. He was devoted to his family and his neighborhood of Cambridge Park, where he lived for more than 50 years. Visitation will take place Monday, April 17 from 5 pm to 7 pm at H. M. Patterson & Son-Oglethorpe Hill, 4550 Peachtree Road in Brookhaven. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 1350 Hearst Dr. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.