Taylors, SC– James W. Rocheleau, Sr, 84, passed away on Friday, November 19, 2021 after a brief illness due to dementia and heart disease.
He is predeceased by his loving wife Judith A. (Brooks) Rocheleau, his parents George and Isabelle Rocheleau, his sisters, Fay and Joy Rocheleau and his son-in-law Kenneth Garron. He is survived by his son, James W. Rocheleau Jr. and his wife Angela of Oxford, MA; his daughter, Susan M. Garron of Largo, FL and; 5 grandchildren, Nicole Stonebreaker and her husband John of Taylors, SC, James W. Rocheleau III, Eric Rocheleau both of Oxford, MA, Amanda Kania and her husband Nicholas of Taylors, SC, and Adrianna Rocheleau of Webster, MA; 4 great-granddaughters, Aubrie Stonebreaker, Madison Kania, Eva Stonebreaker, and Sophia Kania; his sister, Sharon Rivers and her husband Andrew Rivers of Whitinsville, MA. As well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
James was born in Grafton, MA on November 21,1936. He lived in Sutton most of his adult life, where he and his wife raised their family. In his early years he served in the United States Air Force as Military Police; stationed across multiple bases in Europe. He was proud to serve his country and tell many stories of his service. After his Air Force career, James worked at Wyman Gordan in Grafton, MA. He then ventured into the carpentry industry where he worked for the Carpenter’s Union Local 336. For the last 10 years of his career he worked for St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester, MA where he retired from in 1998. James was also a proud fourth degree Knights of Columbus and a member of St. Mark’s Parish in Sutton, MA.
James was a loving family man, who will be fondly remembered as a wonderful Dad to his children and Pops to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was known for his successful gardening and carpentry. His grandchildren will always remember Sunday mornings spent enjoying donuts at Church with the Knights of Columbus, many years of fresh vegetables from his garden and taking long drives to Maine with him.
James will be deeply missed by all, however, his family takes great comfort in knowing he is reunited with his “sweetheart” again. The undeniable love for one another and for their family will forever be their legacy.
James's graveside funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 23rd at 10 AM in Fairview Cemetery in Grafton. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Knights of Columbus, 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510. To leave a condolence message for his family please visit: www.jackmanfuneralhomes.com
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