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James Michael Roark
1943 - 2025
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James Roark Obituary
January 20, 1943 - September 27, 2025
Cayucos, California - James M. Roark passed away on September 27, 2025 at Sierra Vista Hospital in San Luis Obispo, CA.
Born January 20, 1943 in St. Louis, Missouri to Hugo and Rosalie Roark, Jim grew up in Southern California and carried a lifelong love of learning. He studied at University of Southern California, Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, Harvard Graduate School and Claremont Business School, always eager to expand his understanding of the world. In 1967 he joined the U.S. Marine Corps where he served as a captain in the 3rd Marine Division in Vietnam. He led Marines as a Platoon Commander and as Rifle Company Commander in the 2nd Battalion 9th Marine Regiment.
For 45 years Jim served as president of Electrol Mfg. Co. in Fullerton, CA before retiring to the Central Coast. Retirement gave him the chance to write; he published a novel In the Spring of the Year and several short stories. He devoted two decades to establishing and running The Vietnam Fund, a charity supporting schools in Vietnam.
Jim was known for his warmth, humor, generosity and extreme love of theater. His wide-ranging knowledge made conversations with him both lively and meaningful... he never met a stranger. He was a lifelong Yankees fan, cheered on the USC Trojans in football, faithfully attended Morro Bay Presbyterian Church and cherished time with family above all else.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy "Gigi" Roark; his children Lisa De Prudhoe and Jon De Prudhoe of England; Elizabeth Roark of Del Mar, CA; stepsons Jeffrey (Terri) Wilson of Charlotte, NC, and Gregory Wilson of Gainesville, GA; and grandchildren Miranda Wilson, August Wilson, Dylan Thompson, and Smith Wilson.
A memorial service will be held at Morro Bay Presbyterian Church on October 18th at 1:00 PM, with burial in Sandpoint, Idaho on October 21st.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's name to the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for James Roark
Funeral services provided by:
Reis Family Mortuary and Crematory - San Luis Obispo991 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Memories and Condolences
for James Roark
5 Entries
frank g Satterfield
Earlier today
Semper Fi, my friend-A life well lived!!!
Max Bennettk
Earlier today
Gigi:
Kathy and I want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It was an honor to work with Jim and the Electrol family for over 40 years. He had a positive influence on all our lives. I always admired him for his strong and compassionate leadership.
James M. Horn
Earlier today
Jim,
It was an honor and a privilege to know you and to have served in Vietnam with you in the 2nd Battalion 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. You were a model Marine, my friend. May you rest in peace.
My prayers are with you, Gigi and the family.
Jim Horn, Capt USMC
Semper Fidelis,
Jim
Jay Standish
Yesterday
I first met Jim on the bus from DC Airport to Marine Corps Base Quantico in Sept 1967 on our first day in the Marine Corps. Talked along the way and were in the same platoon for OCS and then Basic School, altogether that was 9 months in Quantico, then Vietnam. He was very friendly and a true friend.
Eileen Geil
October 2, 2025
Gigi and Libby,
We are so sorry for your loss. Steve and I won´t be able to attend Jim´s service because we´re flying out of California that day. Please know that our hearts are with you, and please let us know if you need anything. We´re here for you!!
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