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BORN
1955
DIED
2023
James DeRoche Obituary
November 23, 1955 - July 3, 2023
James Henry DeRoche died suddenly on July 3, 2023 at his home in San Francisco, California.
Jim was born in Arlington, Massachusetts, the son of Francis and Jean Andersson DeRoche. Had Bucky Dent not homered for the Yankees against the Red Sox in the one game playoff in 1978, Jim and a close high school friend wouldn't have hitchhiked across the country to San Francisco. What began as a lark and adventure turned into the next 45 years of his life. Jim loved San Francisco and its diversity, Golden Gate Park, chatting at the sea wall at the Pacific Ocean, and small music venues. He leaves behind siblings Jacqueline DeRoche Lyons and Frank DeRoche, nieces and nephews and lots and lots of close friends. Jim was an extraordinary athlete and loved playing shortstop in baseball, right wing in hockey and scoring. He inherited an oversized passion for the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins and Patriots from his beloved mother Jean. He also had a near encyclopedic knowledge of rock and roll, blues and many other types of music. Jim and Amy Nachman married in 1993, later divorced, and maintained a deep, close friendship. Jim had a fulfilling career as a Media Director at local Advertising Agencies and retailers. He adored the media business and the many stimulating, interesting characters he met along the way. He also loved his last volunteer job of 6 years at the Friendship Line at the Institute on Aging where his boss told me he connected with the seniors within minutes, and Jim's desk is where she sent the new call center volunteers to learn how it's done. Jim had an extraordinary ability to connect lovingly, warmly and deeply with a wide variety of people, and he did it his way. According to Bob Carey, a close friend from his hometown, Jim was a "loyal friend willing to hop a red eye to provide support in times of need".
A casual service will be held in the near future, and if desired, contributions can be made in his name to the Friendship Line specifically -at the Institute on Aging.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James DeRoche
Monica Blanton
December 18, 2024
A year has passed and I so miss your kindness, our late night texts, your stories and the endless support you gave me in such a terrible time. I´m forever grateful to you. You are so missed,
Ted Mills
July 7, 2024
I met Jim through a Facebook group of like minded music afficanados. We shared our mutual love of the Beatles, Warren Zevon and many other music groups. We never met in person but we developed a very nice online friendship. We had text discussions about our musical passions. After his passing, I discovered he had a similar effect on many of our other group members. His loss was felt deeply and was devastating to us all. As a group, we have tried to carry on his memory and his spirit. He had a few different Facebook aliases. So RIP my brother in all things music, Spike, Lefty, Matilda, and Jim.
Sincerely,
Ted Mills
Barbara Liddle
July 7, 2024
We never met but spent hours on the phone sharing many amazing funny and lovely stories funny how a comment on a Facebook post turned into friendship across to the UK and back ill never forget you Jim your love your wisdom and your laughter always in my heart and memories x
Monica Blanton
July 7, 2024
I will continue to remember Jim by saying his name, remembering his selfless kindness and generosity. A true friend that I never got to meet but was there for me in such a profound way.
Barbara Andrews
July 6, 2024
Always remembering you Jim. We all at Music Masters miss you each and every day.
Barbara Liddle
August 24, 2023
Jim was a Facebook friend but although we never met we had many long and wonderful late night/day talks we laughed, cried and talked for hours he got me through some of the loneliest and hardest times his compassion and knowledge never ending sadly we lost touch but I thought of him often and will be forever grateful for his kindness and friendship thank you my dear lovely friend I miss you and will miss you forever until we meet again my love always to you and your loved ones x
Marilyn
August 17, 2023
Jim was my treasured colleague at the Friendship Line. We´ll all miss him: staff, volunteers and certainly our callers. God speed dear friend.
Ginger
August 16, 2023
Jim was my neighbor; he lived across the street from me for many years. Apparently one of his favorite past times was to sit in his car listening to L O U D music from the rock n roll era-I noticed his absence by how quiet the neighborhood was. I miss Jim very much.
Maria O
July 30, 2023
I was blessed to meet Jim at the Friendship Line 2019. We connected immediately, as he was a wonderfully kind human being. Had great conversations about everything! My heart is heavy with the loss of this wonderful man. He will truly be missed.
Dick Warshaw
July 28, 2023
Loved visiting S.F from L.A and going to Harris Steak House then heading over to watch the Giants, both of us with our old Baseball Gloves
You will be missed by many
RIP Jim
Matt Sherr
July 23, 2023
I was lucky enough to meet Jim in the 1990's when we played on the same hockey team. We often played at 1045pm in Berkeley or Oakland. He was one of the better skaters and it was fun to be on that team. We both came to California from Boston about the same time, so we also had that in common. Sorry to hear he passed so young. A great guy.
Melanie Muasau
July 17, 2023
Jim DeRoche will be, sorely, missed. Over the last decade, he was that 'one friend' who was always quick to swing by, in his convertible Lexus, cruise ya thru San Francisco, stereo a-blarin', singing 'BROWN SUGAR' by the Stones, at the top of our lungs! (Yep, that was me & Jim!). Heart of gold, generous, personable and empathetic, ALWAYS. I cannot believe that he is gone. Farewell, 'Drop Down' DeRoche!
Charlotte Carlson
July 14, 2023
Jimmy D will be sorely missed by his many friends. Rest in peace dear friend.
David Greenwald
July 13, 2023
Wow! I'm devastated! So sad.. Jim was such a wonderfully unique, smart and entertaining person/ality. The world will miss his wild and crazy lifestyle and approach to, well, almost everything. We had so many great memories together over the years. One of the most recent was the most memorable for me. We attended the 2nd to last Tom Petty concerts at the Greek Theater in Berkeley. What a great time we had. Singing "oh my my, oh hell ya!" Together as we left the show. He sure loved to party and lived large! Always pushing everything to edges... if you knew Jim at all, you know exactly what I'm saying... i guess all i can say at this point is what a great guy. Ironically, i probably would have seen him at the Neil Young concert this weekend and sadly, i was going to call him and invite him to join me at the Giants Rwd Sox game on 7/28. I wil hoist a tall frosty to him that night for sure. Long live my dear friend Jimmy DeRoche! May his memory be a blessing!
Barbara Andrews
July 12, 2023
Jim I will always hope that you knew just how much you were appreciated by us all. Your impact on Music Masters will forever be unmatched. And thank you for your friendship. You will never be forgotten my dear friend. You are so very missed .❤
Janet Espeleta
July 12, 2023
Even though I never met Jim in person I considered him to be a good friend. I will miss seeing his messages on Facebook.
Monica Blanton
July 12, 2023
Such a loss of such a unique man, selfless, genuine and kind. He always took the time to help out someone as he did me. I will miss my friend. I´m so grateful I had the chance to get to know him, brief as it was, it forever enhanced my life
Janine Metrician
July 12, 2023
Jim, you are sorely missed. I feel so blessed to have had the honor of knowing you, calling you my friend. You will always have a place in my heart.
Amy Nachman
July 12, 2023
Jim will be missed far and wide. He had a heart of gold and a brilliant, strategic mind. Thanks for all the great memories .
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