James Patrick Roach, 76, of Vero Beach and Frederick Md., passed away Sept. 25, 2016.
He is survived by his wife Young Hee Roach; his children, Kimberly Birdsell (Jason), Sean Roach (Heather Dyas-Fried), and Daniel Roach; grandchildren Emily Birdsell, Owen Birdsell, Everest Roach and Opal Roach; sisters Justine Roach, Linda Fitzsimons and Erin Russell; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Born April 17, 1940 in Albany, N.Y., he was the son of the late David and Justine (McAllister) Roach. He was an adventurous man who easily could have been a character in a novel. He grew up on a farm and later served as a Lt. Commander in the US Navy before continuing his career as a Human Resources manager for 38 years with the Bechtel corporation and later as a director for CH2M Hill before his retirement.
He was very proud of the 27 countries in which he worked or traveled during his career, including Abu Dhabi, UAE; Basrah and Baghdad, Iraq; Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; Kori and Young Gwang, Korea; India; and Villahermosa, Mexico. He was willing and eager to go anywhere and wasn’t afraid of the hardships and challenges of working and living overseas.
Roach was tough, hardworking, and a force to be reckoned with – giving everything he had to everything he did. This included persevering as a hostage in 1990 during the first Iraq war. Later, during his two year battle with cancer, he inspired others through his courageous fight.
Through his vibrant personality and vast experiences, he was a great storyteller who could, and would, talk to anyone he met. He also had a passion for food which he shared with family and friends through meals that celebrated the many cultures he loved. Though Fox News lost one of their most ardent supporters, heaven gained a great man.
Above all, he loved being surrounded by his family who loved him dearly. He will be greatly missed by all of his friends and loved ones.
A Catholic service will be held Oct. 3, 11 a.m., at St. Joseph’s at Carrollton Manor Catholic Church, 5843 Manor Woods Road, Frederick, MD 21703. Inurnment will be private.
Memorial contributions may be shared to the Cancer Research Institute: www.cancerresearch.org.
Online condolences may be shared at www.keeneybasford.com –
