James D. "Don" Roche

James D. "Don" Roche, age 94 of Macomb, Illinois, formerly of Raritan, Illinois, passed away at 8:19 a.m. Monday November 21, 2016 at The Elms in Macomb. He was born January 5, 1922 near Stronghurst, the son of Timothy Arthur and Mary Winifred St. Ledger Roche. On August 23, 1944, he married Kathryn Wilsie Tully at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church near Raritan. She preceded him in death on November 22, 1999.

Don served as Postmaster in Raritan for over 35 years, retiring in 1992. He was a graduate of Stronghurst High School. He lived in Raritan most of his life, moving to Macomb in 2005. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed following the Robinson Illinois High School Maroons, Western Illinois Leathernecks, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears. He was a member of Twin Oaks Golf Club in Blandinsville, Western Illinois Leatherneck Club, and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

Survivors include one daughter, Mary Anne (Jerry) Johnson of Tucson, AZ, two sons, J. Dwaine (JoElla) Roche of Macomb, Terry (Lynne) Roche of Robinson, IL, four grandchilren, Daria Roche Carlberg, Jennifer Bollman Warmbold, Tony Roche, and Laura Roche, seven great grandchildren, Marlana and Cassidy Warmbold, Nicholas and Nathaniel Carlberg, and Brody, Brasyn, and Alaca Roche. He was preceded in death by his wife, one grandson, Darek Roche, two brothers and five sisters.

There will be a Rosary recited at 3:30 p.m. Sunday November 27, 2016, followed by visitation with the family from 4:00 until 6:00 pm. at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst. The Mass of Celebration will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday November 28^th at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church near Raritan, with Father Tom Otto as Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for the Robinson High School Booster Club, Robinson, Illinois and The Elms of Macomb, Illinois. Condolences may be left at banksandbeals.com.