James Franklin Rochelle

James Franklin Rochelle, age 89, of Hurricane Mills, TN, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, 5 days short of his 90th birthday. James was born in Gibson County, TN on September 1, 1935 to the late Monroe and Ollie Mae Ayers Rochelle. He was a graduate of Waverly Central High School, class of 1955. He proudly served his country for 3 years in the U.S. Army. James owned and operated Rochelle Construction for over 5 decades, along with Rochelle Lumber and Country Nites Live.

James is survived by his wife of nearly 3 decades, Gladys Westbrook Rochelle; daughter, Leah Rochelle Bible, and her sons, Samuel, Benjamin and his fiancée, Kylie; step daughter, Cheri Smoak (Russell) and their children, Samantha, Jacqueline, and Nathan.

Along with his parents, James is preceded in death by his brother, Walter Rochelle; and 5 sisters, Margaret Murphree Forster, Mildred Turner, Edith Gatlin, Hazel Dunaway, and Agnes Rochelle.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Luff-Bowen in Waverly, beginning at 2:00 P.M. until the time of the memorial service at 5:00 P.M. with Pastor Adam Mullinax of Waverly First Baptist Church officiating the service.

Arrangements are entrusted to Luff-Bowen Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made by visiting our website at luffbowen.com.

2400 Highway 13 North, Waverly, TN 37185

931-296-2437