James M. Roche

James Michael Roche, Jim for short, passed away peacefully on December 15th, 2025, surrounded by loving family. He was born on January 24th, 1943, in Jersey City, along with his loving sister Mary Ann.

Jim was a proud Veteran, having served 8 years in the Air Force, where he received the Outstanding Unit Award, the National Defense Service Award, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Later, he served as an air traffic controller for 18 years, a role he held with great pride. He went on to complete a 35-year career as a car and truck salesman.

Jim was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. His joy was his family, along with trains, Guinness, cigars, airplanes, and exploring the world on his bike. He had a massive sweet tooth and spent every holiday always with a cookie in hand. He was a proud and loving father to Michael, Jeffrey, Dave, and Andrew. After meeting Ann Marie, his adored wife, in 1984, his family grew to include Robert and Richard, whom he cherished as his own sons. In time, his family grew to include 10 beloved grandchildren, and he could often be found cheering proudly from the stands at graduations, wrestling matches, soccer and hockey games, marching band and cheer competitions. He was also blessed to have met and loved three great-grandsons.

Jim, a proud Irishman, enjoyed his Guinness and his cigars. He could be seen for years walking in honor with the American Irish Association in the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Sunday, December 21st, 2025, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 7:00–9:00 p.m. at Moloney-Sinnickson's Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Center Moriches, NY. A prayer service will take place at 3:30pm  and 7:30pm. The Mass will be held on Monday, December 22nd, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist RC Church, Center Moriches, NY, followed by burial at Calverton National Cemetery.

Jim’s kindness and joy, along with his pride as an American and veteran, will forever be etched into our hearts and will continue to be celebrated.