James Roach

James Edward (Jim, Jimmy) Roach, 61, of Florida, died Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami Florida, as a result of injuries sustained in a tragic hit and run accident. Jim grew up in Peru, however has been a Florida resident for 37 years.
Jimmy was the first baby born at Champlain Valley Hospital in Plattsburgh, January 1, 1964. Jim was the second son of John F. and Patricia (Ryan) Roach. A 1982 graduate of Peru Central and graduate of Clinton Community College, Jim was a member of the Peru Fire Department and spent his early adulthood as NYS Correction officer, mostly at Green Haven Correctional.
Upon his move to Florida, Jimmy worked for American Airlines in Key West for several years. After leaving American, Jim spent more than 3 decades in the Miami area. He worked for Coldwell Banker but focused on the hospitality industry, last working for the Carillon Group. Everywhere Jim went, he made lifelong friends. Most notably, Jimmy's best friend from the day she was born, and he was six weeks old, Amy Morse LaForest.
Jim was predeceased by his parents John Sr. and Pat, his beloved stepmother, Mary Roach, brothers John Roach Jr, Kevin Keefe and Daniel Keefe, brother-in-law Bruce Cornell, sister-in-law, Nancy Keefe, his nephew Timmy Keefe, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Jim is survived by his sisters; Eileen (Timbal Stanley) Roach and Kathleen (Julie DiCarlo) Roach of Peru, Doreen Keefe and Donna (Donald) Dick of Barre, Vermont, his brother Patrick Keefe of Queensbury; his aunt Donna Merlow of Queensbury, beloved nieces and nephews, Lizzy Keefe, Emma Roach, Chrissy Cornell, Lenora Fowler, Aidan Keefe, and Regan Keefe, numerous cousins, great nieces and great nephews.
The family is so appreciative of the friends who supported Jimmy emotionally and otherwise during his four battles with cancer over two decades. Given less than ideal odds in October 2024, to survive the most recent battle, Jim's positive attitude, deep faith, commitment to his workout regime when he was able and relentless determination allowed him to continue brightening the lives of his friends and family daily. He was the meme master! His last group message to his sisters was less than 10 minutes before the incident and he said "I love you". What a gift that is!
In those tragic last days, Carol Fagan Bellevance, Margaret Kroiter and Barinia Guerra (Shadow the dog's mom) were steadfast by his side advocating for his care until Kathleen could get to Florida and remained to support whatever the family needed. These women are angels on Earth and were our eyes on the ground in Florida over the last year.
Over the last year in particular, Jim suffered immensely and had to fight intensely for the resources and support he needed and deserved. A proud yet humble man, he felt shame unnecessarily when needing help from his friends and family, often going without rather than asking.
Please consider donating even the smallest amounts to those in need, or a grocery gift card or a ride share gift card. Jim once took a bus route with 3 changes to a chemo appointment until the family found out and implemented other means. Be grateful that through the Grace of God that isn't your fate and just BE KIND!
Unquestionably handsome, smart and extremely witty, Jim's greatest fear was that he would be forgotten! We, his family and friends, promise to never let that happen!
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jim may be made to the Alliance for Positive Health, 202 Cornelia Street Plattsburgh NY 12901, www.allianceforpositivehealth.org, the charity of your choice or to the family for his services.
Calling hours will be held Saturday, July 5, 2025 from 11 to 1 PM at the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru. A funeral service will follow at 1 PM in the Hamilton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Christopher Looby, officiating. Committal prayers and burial will follow in the family plot in St. Augustine's Cemetery.
The family invites you to a Celebration of Jim's life at 2:30 pm at Gigi's on the River, 1878 Route 9, Keeseville, NY 12944.
Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 518-643-9055.