James Roach

James W Roach age 80, of Millcreek, passed away on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at Elmwood Gardens.

He was born in Erie to Frederick and Catherine (Klick) Roach on March 17, 1938.

Jim was a loyal and devoted husband and father. He was truly the greatest grandfather on the planet! He loved every minute spent with his granddaughters and taught them his love of laughter. Jim was an ice cream aficionado and would never pass up an opportunity to indulge his favorite treat. He was a hard-working man that was patient, kind, compassionate and would take care of anyone that needed help. He enjoyed the simple things in life, barbecue ribs, gardening, and yard work. He especially enjoyed playing bingo with his sister, Patty.

James graduated from Cathedral Preparatory School in 1956 before enlisting in the Army of the United States. After his years of service he worked for various employers and raised his family all while continuing his education at night and earning his bachelor’s degree in business from Gannon College, class of 1981.

He worked for LORD Corporation for many years before becoming the Director of Tax and Revenue for the County of Erie for 19 years before retiring in 2002. 

In addition to his parents James is preceded in death by his first wife of forty years, Cynthia Lones, and his two sisters, Margaret Cross, and Kathy Duda.

James is survived by his wife of ten years, Mary F. Roach, his sons, Andrew (Heather) Roach, and Nathan (Abbey) Roach. Stepchildren Lisa (Martin) Tamez,  Arthur (Stephanie) Schwenk, and Richard (Katie) Schwenk. James is also survived by his four granddaughters, Daelynn, Abbey,  Mary Roach, and Summer Goll, all of Erie.

Sisters, Roberta (Earl) Rose, Irene (Paul) Nass, Patricia Ludwig all of Erie, and Barbara (Alan) Flues of Michigan a brother Frederick Roach of Erie; along with many nieces and nephews and cousins all survive Jim.

Friends are invited to call on the family, Friday May 11^th 2018 at Burton Westlake Funeral Home (at Powell Avenue) from 2pm to 4 pm and 6pm to 8pm. Prayers at the funeral home will begin at 9:15 am Saturday May 12^th followed by  a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Church 2401 W 38th St, Erie, PA 16506 at 10 am with Fr. Kyle Seyler presiding. Burial will follow immediately in Laurel Hill Cemetery

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105 and Our Lady of Peace Church 2401 W 38th St, Erie, PA 16506

Funeral Arrangements are under the care of the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 W. 26^th Street, Erie, PA 16506.