James “Jim” was born to Vivian Chapelle and Thomas Desrochers of Manchester, NH. He was the youngest of three children, and is survived by his brother, Ernie, and sister, Alice. Orphaned at a very young age at the Saint Peters orphanage in Manchester until he was 9 years old. Then Jim moved on to the Daniel Webster Home for Children in Franklin, NH until the age of 15 years. Jim was then adopted by a family in Manchester.
Jim joined the Air Force from 1951-1956 during the Korean War. After being honorably discharged, he found himself in Plainville, MA where he met the love of his life, Rita Rose Brochu. They married in 1958 for 54 years.
Jim raised his family in Plainville, MA where he enjoyed many outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, and baseball with all his children and any of the other kids in the neighborhood.
His employment included heading the maintenance department at Whiting and Davis and Company in Plainville, where he employed many high school students, including several that went on to become lifelong friends of the family.
Jim is survived by his five children: Marcelle Desrochers (Katy), Daniel Desrochers (Nancy), John Desrochers (Patricia), Vivian Goodinson (Dale), and Leo Desrochers. He also leaves 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Besides his wife he was predeceased by 2 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at Duffy-Poule Funeral home in Attleboro on Friday, March 23rd from 5 PM to 8 PM. Funeral will be held at St. Mary’s Church in Norton on Saturday, March 24th at 10 AM, followed by burial at St. Stephens Cemetery in Attleboro. For online condolences please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com
