John Grover Roach Jr.

Dear Helen,
So sorry to hear of your loss. John was a very dear friend. I enjoyed serving with him on the school board. I can just see & hear him standing at the head of our boat going up the Mississippi River,singing "Ole Man River". Our memories of him will last a life time. Take care and may our Heavenly Father comfort and bless you and your family.

Dearest Helen,
My heart goes out to you and your family at this time of deep personal loss. John was such a special person, a wonderful community leader and my favorite principal. None of my family will ever forget the devoted friendship that you and Mom shared. I know having you as her friend and steadfast support during her illness was one of the greatest treasures of her life. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow, but may your sadness be lessen, if just a little, by...

Helen,

We were so sorry to hear about John..he will surely be remembered by so many, including us. We have such good memories of you both. We send our love.

Carolyn & Larry Woody

Helen,
Bab and I were so sorry to hear about John. He was a very special person and a special influence in my life, as were you. I join a great number of people who will treasure his memory. Your friendship and love for Mom continues to bring warm thoughts to my mind. May God bless and you and hold you and the family close during this time.

I had the pleasure of serving with John Roach on the board of Hospice of McDowell County. He always brought laughter to our meetings and we never knew which story he would tell next. He was a man of integrity, honesty, and always had the utmost respect of everyone when he walked into a room. I will truly miss him.

Mrs. Roach, you know how much I have loved and admired you both. I know you will miss him, and so shall we. Seek comfort in knowing that he is with God, and that we will see him again someday. I will pray for you and Johnny. Love you, Debbie

Helen, you have been blessed by having John in your life. So has Johnny & family. Remember each day that this is the first day of the rest of your life. Praying for the family.

Helen and family,
When I got a call from John to come and talk with him about teaching at PG school, I did not realize how it would change my life. I stayed the night at John and Helen's house while Helen helped me find an apartment. John became my mentor and fried who encouraged me to return to college to get my principal's and superintendent certification. John and Helen remained my friends and support not only at church but in my professional career. I love them dearly and everyone...

Upon musician Johnny Cash’s passing, fellow musician Bob Dylan remarked that as a man Cash was “as steady and true as the pole star, a person who you could set your compass by.” These words come to mind when I think of Mr. Roach. One could sense the inner strength of the man, a life that had taken root in good soil and grown steady and true through the years like a healthy oak. Though I didn’t know him personally, I was nonetheless, as a student and teacher, influenced by his legacy....