James M. Roach

JAMES M. ROACH James 'Jim' Michael Roach, 74, a long-time resident of Wellington, FL, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 21, 2010, at Palms West Hospital. Son of the late James, Sr. and Adele Roach, Jim was born in Chicago, IL on December 25, 1935. He grew up on the south side of Chicago and attended St. Rita Elementary School and Lindbloom High School. As a young man, he followed his father into the pipe fitter trade where he worked as a member of Local Union 597. After marrying his wife, Rita, in 1966 and graduating from Loyola University in 1968, he began a career in labor relations subsequently relocating to Florida. As a Labor Relations Manager for Florida Power and Light, he directed policies related to contractor labor relations on all power plant building projects and was instrumental in the construction of the St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant. During his career, he also served as the Chairman of the Generating Plant Construction Committee of the Southeastern Electrical Exchange, Chairman of the Construction Committee of the Edison Electric Institute and Vice President of the Florida Business Roundtable. In retirement, he especially enjoyed visiting with the colleagues and friends he made while working in the construction industry. For nearly thirty years, Jim was an active member of St. Rita Catholic Church in Wellington, FL and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. An avid lover of Irish and Scottish traditional music, he had been a member of both the Chicago Stock Yard Kilty Band and the Palm Beach Pipes and Drums. Being a 'Christmas baby,' he enjoyed sharing his birthday with our Lord as well as taking great delight in holiday festivities by dressing as Santa Claus. His kind and generous spirit was a blessing to all who knew, cherished and loved him. As a husband, father, grandfather, brother and son his love and support knew no bounds. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Rita (nee Nemec); daughters, Sheila (Luis) Roach-Deleon and Maureen (Clifford) Wacha; grandchildren, Mary and Jimmy Wacha; sister, Sheila (Bob) Zimmer and brothers, Bob Roach (Lucinda) and the late Bill Roach (Pat); brother-in-law, Tom Nemec (Mae); nieces, nephews, good friends and neighbors. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 26, from 6 PM-8 PM at Palms West Funeral Home in Royal Palm Beach, FL. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Thursday, May 27, 2010, at St. Rita Roman Catholic Church in Wellington, FL. Burial will follow at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim's memory may be made to the Autism Project of Palm Beach County by mail to APPBC, 5800 Corporate Way, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 or online at www.autismproject.org/Donate.