John Edmund Roche Sr.

John Edmund (Jack) Roche Sr. passed away peacefully at Atrium Health Navicent in Macon, Georgia, on November 2, 2025, at the age of 99. Jack was born in Pittsburgh, PA in 1926, the only child of John and Elizabeth Roche. After his father's death when Jack was just eight years old, he was raised by his mother, a night nurse whose generosity shaped the man he would become. Their home became a refuge during floods, welcoming anyone in need-regardless of circumstance. This early lesson in compassion became the foundation of Jack's life: help those who need it, judge no one, and live simply so others might simply live. He spent his formative years in Parkersburg, WV, where he excelled in track and served as drum major for the Big Red Parkersburg High School Marching Band. At seventeen, Jack enlisted in the Army Air Corps, declining scholarship offers from Ohio State and the University of Michigan. He served as a Bombardier and Navigator in Italy during World War II, training on B17s for Pacific deployment before the war's end brought him home. At West Virginia University, he competed in cross country and joined Sigma Nu fraternity, serving as Commander. But his greatest adventure began in Lewistown, PA, where he met Nancy Jane Burkett-the love of his life. Three months later, they married. Over the next 13 years, they moved 11 times along the East Coast, welcoming five children, each born in a different city. In 1968, they settled permanently in Cordele, GA, where Jack opened a Gibson's Discount Center. In Cordele, Jack became a pillar of the community. He served as president of the Crisp County High School Booster Club and The Optimist Club, coached youth baseball for years, and helped establish the first fall baseball league for high school players south of Atlanta. Golf became another great passion-countless hours on the course brought him joy throughout his life. After Nancy's passing in 2016, following 66 years of marriage, Jack honored her memory by volunteering at Crisp Regional Hospital for over eight years. For 57 years, Jack was a devoted member of Christ Episcopal Church, serving as Senior Warden, Lay Reader, Lay Eucharistic Minister, and Lay Eucharistic Visitor. But his most meaningful ministry happened quietly giving rides to strangers, filling gas tanks for struggling families, taking veterans to the grocery store, helping anyone who appeared at the church doors in need. He embodied the words displayed in his kitchen: "He who lives with little possesses everything." Jack's playful spirit lives on in his family's memory through his beloved "JEisms"-his own brand of wordplay and wit. When asked "What's new?", he'd grin and reply, "New York, New Jersey, New Mexico." Greeting guests, he'd say, "Pull up a glass and pour a chair!" And when complimented on how well he was doing, his signature response was, "If I were any better, I'd be twins-and the world isn't ready for that." Jack is survived by five children: Jack Roche, Jr. (Stephanie), Mary Roche Jones (Jimmy Ginn), Jeri Roche (Dr. Angela Browning), Bobby Roche (Karen), and Jane Roche Parker (Dr. Marshall Parker); eight grandchildren: Ed Roche (Kristi), Emily Roche Rountree (Joe), Morgan Jones (Michelle), Kacey Jones (Eleni), Julianne Roche Dawson (Chris), Davis Roche (Claire), Bryant Roche, and Severan Roche; and six great-grandchildren: Jack Roche IV, Isabel Roche, Eloise Rountree, Luke Dawson, Oliver Dawson, and Ella Roche. A visitation will be held at Rainey Family Funeral Services on November 10th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. The memorial service will take place at Christ's Church on November 11th at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Christ's Episcopal Church, 408 South First Street, Cordele, GA 31015.