James A. "Jim" Rocho

James A. "Jim" Rocho, age 82, of Battle Creek passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday morning, September 8, 2021. He was born in Battle Creek on April 1, 1939, the son of Hilton and Dorothy (Bailey) Rocho. Jim graduated from Lakeview High School with the Class of 1957 and was a lifelong resident of Battle Creek. Jim graduated from Argubright Business College, attended Western Michigan University, and retired from the Kellogg Company in 1994.

Jim and his father built houses together, so Jim's interest in construction has been forever. He also restored many houses, starting with his grandfathers', as well as building a four-unit townhouse, a grand family home, and creating Beacon Ridge Condos.

Jim married Roberta Stewart on July 26, 1991 and attended Convis Union United Methodist Church with her. He is survived by his wife, Roberta; and cousins, Cindy (Ed) Gustke and Patricia Ernst.

Jim was a member of the Kellogg 25 Year Club, the Jaycees, participated in the Leila Follies, and was active in the First Baptist Church. He was always very involved in many organizations in the community with its history as its goal. This included Home Tours, Merritt Commons, and especially the Battle Creek Regional History Museum. For this interest, Jim was rewarded with a George Award. Jim's motto was "May what I do be a betterment for my community."

Friends will be received 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 13th at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek where services to celebrate Jim's life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday. The service will be Live-Streamed and may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/601329510. Jim will be interred at Hicks West Pennfield Cemetery. Memorials directed to the Battle Creek Regional History Museum, c/o The Battle Creek Community Foundation (https://www.bccfoundation.org/giving/rhmccfund) (Checks made payable to BCCF-RHMCC), 32 W. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1, Battle Creek, MI 49017, would be appreciated. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Jim may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.