James Colester "Jay" Roach 09/27/1943 - 01/29/2017
Obituary
James Colester "Jay" Roach was born September 7, 1943, in Williamson, WV, to the late Rev. Jasper C. and Mildred L. Roach. He was the eldest of five children born to this union. He departed this life on January 29, 2017, at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston, WV, after a short battle with lung cancer. He received his education in the Mingo County, WV, public school system, graduating from Williamson High School with the class of 1960. After graduation from high school, he joined the United States Air Force in 1961. He was assigned to the Military Air Police Unit. He served in combat during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1969 at the rank of Staff Sergeant. James married his wife of 47 years, Florence Coleman Roach, on June 7, 1969, in Richmond, VA, and they were the parents of a son, Kirk Arvon Roach. He was employed by Dow Chemical (formerly Union Carbide) of South Charleston, WV, in 1969 and retired from there in January 2003. He enjoyed spending time with his family, studying the Bible, taking a walk each morning, watching sports and helping his elderly neighbors with chores such as mowing the lawn and shoveling snow. He was also a primary caretaker for his mother during her final years. James accepted Christ at an early age and united with the First Mount Zion Baptist Church of Williamson, WV, under the pastorate of his father. He remained a member for nearly 60 years, serving as a Deacon since 1986 and later as Treasurer. He attended faithfully until his health declined, driving the distance of some 90 miles from his home in Charleston to attend regular services on the second and fourth Sunday of each month and frequently at other times for various church activities. When not traveling to Williamson, he consistently enjoyed worshiping with various churches in the Charleston area. James loved the Lord and was committed to serving him with gladness. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by a brother, Masculan T. "Mack" Roach. James leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Florence, and son, Kirk, along with two brothers, David D. Roach (Mildred) of Melbourne, FL, Oswald L. Roach (Angela) of Dunbar, WV, a sister, Daryl Roach Graham (Leonard) of Durham, NC., and a sister-in-law, Carolyn Roach of Charleston, WV. Many other family members and friends will share in cherishing his memory. Home Going Services will be held at First Baptist Church, of Charleston, WV. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday, February 4, 2017, and funeral service will follow from noon to 1 p.m. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Preston Funeral Home Inc., 812 Donnally Street, Charleston, WV 25301, (304)342-1179. Military Graveside Rites will be conducted on February 6, 2017, by Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery in Dunbar, WV, at noon. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery. - See more at: http://www.wvgazettemail.com/OBIT/20170202/james-quotjayquot-roach#sthash.7G7NIQZA.dpuf
