James Walter Gerock Sr.

07/13/1935 - 12/27/2025

James Walter Gerock, Sr, of Rapidan, Virginia, died Saturday, December 27, 2025. He was 90 years old. He was born July 13, 1935, in Maysville, North Carolina, son of the late James Robert and Mary Laura Cox Gerock.

Jim was a graduate of East Carolina University with a degree in Industrial Arts Education. Following graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy. After serving his tour of duty, he was eager to come home and marry his childhood sweetheart, Barbara Mattocks, also of Maysville. They were married for 65 years.

While living in Woodbridge, Virginia, he taught throughout the Fairfax County (Virginia) school system, starting a Shop teacher. While teaching, he attended graduate school at the University of Virginia, graduating with a Masters degree in Special Education. He taught Special Education until his retirement. He was also active in the Woodbridge Lions Club.

Jim and Barbara built a house in Rapidan, Virginia upon retiring. Jim volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and LOVE Outreach Food Pantry. He was a member of a lively bookclub for many years.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara; son James Gerock, Jr. (Susan), daughter Ginny Gerock Lewark (John); and grandchildren Caroline and Mason. He is also survived by four nieces, Connie Clark, Nancy Clark Carter, Meg Swindler, and Beth Woody; as well as a cousin, Dr. Henry Gerock, all of North Carolina. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Clark and brother, Robert Van Gerock.

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions in Jim's memory can be made to Habitat for Humanity https://ochfh.org/, LOVE Outreach Food Pantry https://loveoutreachocva.org/ or the Orange County Free Clinic https://www.orangecountyfreeclinic.org/.