Obituary of James F. Rochester

James F Rochester, 97, passed away at Meadowbrook Healthcare in Plattsburgh, NY with his loving family beside him on Monday, April 29, 2024. He was born in Burlington, VT to Hiram and Agnes (Goddeau) Rochester. He graduated from Rouses Point High School in 1944, enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in WWII in the Philippines and Occupied Japan. After he completed his duties in the U.S. Army he attended Champlain College in Burlington VT. He then worked at various jobs, the Davey Tree Company, Napierville Junction Railway, Getty’s Electric, the North Countryman and then the Press Republican retiring in 1986. In 1960 Jim founded The Border Press, a commercial printing company in Rouses Point that is still operating today. Jim was so inspired by a scrapbook his mother Agnes compiled of newspaper clippings of local servicemen and women during WWII, he decided to take it a step further. Well into his 80’s Jim decided to expand his mother’s idea and committed himself to compiling and documenting the local veterans military history. He spent hours interviewing the veteran or their family member collecting stories, photos, newspaper clipping, etc. so that these stories would never be forgotten. Jim’s efforts over the years resulted in 2 books “Scrapbooks I’ and “Scrapbooks II” that was a labor of love and a gift to the community that will always be treasured and preserved. “Remembering Point au fer” was a book that Jim compiled and published in 2009, The book includes photos, sketches, historical documentation and most importantly Jim’s recollection of Rochester family folklore. This folklore included stories of generations of the Walker, Rochester and Scales families, the original settlers and property owners of Point au fer. Jim was an avid fisherman and waterfowler, he enjoyed boating, swimming, taking long walks with his dog Belle. He was a skilled wood carver of bird, duck and fish decoys. Jim was a music lover, he sang and played acoustic and steel guitar and performed in various bands through the years thus having the nickname “Jaz” by his close friends. He was also a member of St. Patrick’s Choir in Rouses Point, a 60 year member of the American Legion Post 912 in Rouses Point, NY. Jim was a family man, he loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with all of them especially his grandchildren, fishing, carving and sharing stories of his life. James is survived by his daughters Pamela (Russell) Gadway, Elaine Cloutier, Debra Collins, his son Daniel (Annie) Rochester; his grandchildren Herm (Martha) Gadway, Tyler (Heather) Gadway, Bryce (Andrea) Gadway, Lacey (Josh) Smith, Devan Collins, Richard (Kristen) Collins III, Katelyn (Stephen) Saunier, Jordanne (Jeff Campbell) Rochester, Duncan (Chelsey) Rochester, Brent (Anna) Langlois; Herm’s children Lena and Hannah; Tyler’s children Chelsae, Ethan, Gavin, Ella, Ava; Anna’s children Allie and Evan, Bryce’s children Emma, Caden, Elliott; Katelyn’s children Oliver and River; Jordanne’s children Avril and Liam; Duncan’s children Erin and Harrison; great great granddaughter Eliana; ex-spouse and friend Doris (Trombley) Neale. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Robert J., Richard L. and Clifton E.; grandchildren Anna Gadway Langlois, Brandon J. Gadway, Heath Mundy, son-in-law Paul Cloutier. Special thanks to all the wonderful caregivers that allowed Jim to live in his own home in his final years, Brenda, Janie, Patti, Marilyn and a special thank you to his nurse Shirley Gladd. Thank you to the wonderful staff on the 3rd and 7th floors at CVPH for the care given to Jim. Our family is deeply grateful to the 2nd floor staff “Chestnut Grove” at Meadowbrook Healthcare for all the loving care. Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 3rd from 5-7:00 pm at M.B. Clark Funeral Home in Rouses Point, NY. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, May 4th at 11:00 am at St. Patrick’s Church in Rouses Point. Burial will immediately follow the Mass at St. Patrick’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's memory can be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation https://www.glioblastomafoundation.org.