MONTPELIER - James L. Rouelle, 75, of Montpelier, passed away in his home of cancer on Dec. 8, 2008.
He was born in Burlington on June 9, 1933, the oldest child of James and Lucille (Sturtevant) Rouelle. The family later moved to Montpelier where he grew up.
James attended St. Michael's Grade School and High School and graduated in 1951 from Montpelier High School.
He served in the United States Navy from 1952 to 1956.
He married Patricia A. Houston at St. Augustine's Church on May 18, 1957. They were parents of four children, Joseph, Jay, Jon and Julie.
James worked at Roop's Garage and Nate's Clothing Store in Montpelier. In 1961, he began employment with the city of Montpelier, most of his 34 years working at the water pollution plant as a lab technician.
He was a member of American Legion Post # 3, Mutuo, Inc., in Barre and the Montpelier Senior Center.
He enjoyed playing softball, hunting, fishing, bowling and watching sports on television. His favorite teams were the Atlanta Braves, New York Giants and Boston Celtics. One of his greatest pleasures was attending his children's sports events.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Patricia; son, Jon, of Montpelier; daughter, Julie, of New Orleans, La.; granddaughter, Crystal Peake and her husband, Nathan of Graniteville, and grandson, Jason Rouelle of Chula Vista, Calif.; sister, Beverly Cooney of Hemet, Calif.; brothers, Gerald Rouelle and his wife, Margaret of Montpelier, Robert Rouelle and his wife, Beverly of Centennial, Colo.; sisters in law and brothers in law; Jean Gaboriault of Fountain Hills, Ariz., Harold Houston and his wife, Nancy of Zephyrhills, Fla.; Marjorie Bissell of Fairbanks, Alaska; James Houston and his wife, Joanna of Cabot; Linda Barney and her husband, Wendell of Williamstown; Carolyn Houston of Cabot; and Michael Houston of Websterville. He is also survived by aunts, uncles, several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is predeceased by his parents and his two oldest sons, Joseph and Jay.
Calling hours will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12, 2008, at Guare & Sons Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be offered from St. Augustine Church at noon on Saturday. A reception for family and friends will follow the Mass in the parish hall.
Burial will be at a later date at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, or ALSA-Northern New England Chapter, 1 Main Street, Winooski, VT 05404.
Those wishing to send private on-line condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com and go to Jim's obituary. Visit the guest book at www.timesargus.com/obits.
