Jim Roach

Jim Roach, 78, of Jacksonville, Ill., died Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the home of his daughter in Jacksonville. He was born in Savannah, the son of the Lucien and Mildred Eaves Roach. He was united in marriage to Shirley York, who preceded him in death. Mr. Roach was a construction engineer for the United States Army Corps of Engineers for 40 years. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing and Chicago Bears football. He was a great storyteller and thought he was a professional singer. A celebration of life was held on Saturday, Dec. 13, at Jim's farm, north of Jacksonville, Ill. Memorials are suggested to Cass-Schuyler Area Hospice. The Williamson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. He is survived by one daughter, Sherry (Tom) Hopkin of Jacksonville, Ill.; two grandchildren, Sarah (Warwick) Stevenson of Blue Springs, Mo. and Michael Moeller of Lawrence, Kan. and one great-grandchild, Gage Shrout; sisters, Dorothy (Al) Matties of N.C., Nancy (Glen) Halsey of Ind., Patsy (Gerald) Fishe of Fla. and Rebecca (Marshall) Paterson of Clarksville, Tenn; two brothers, Tony (Susan) Roach of N.C. and Billy Roach of Lexington, Tenn; one local nephew, Mark Roach of Savannah; four nephews and eight nieces. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Elaine Rothwell and Bertie Gean Higdon; and a brother, Lucian Roach Jr.