James Mandel Aumont Roache I

James Mandel Aumont Roache I was born on November 14, 1959, in Lackey, Virginia to the late Alice V.  Roache and the late James Mason. He transitioned from this earthly world to his heavenly home on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at his residence.

Mandel attended York County Public Schools where he was a gifted athlete in the sport of football. He graduated from Bruton High School in 1979. After graduation, he received a football scholarship to Ferrum Junior College in Ferrum, Virginia, and later transferred to Hampton Institute where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1984. During his tenure at Hampton Institute, he received his Second Lieutenant promotion from the US Army. Mandel was honorably discharged in May 1990.

While in college he was employed at McDonald’s RJK Corporation as a maintenance groundskeeper. He worked his way up to store manager. Mandel worked at some of the busiest stores grooming others to become as business-minded as he was. His work ethics were impeccable. Due to his exceptional work performance, he was awarded outstanding store manager of the year from 1988-1990. During his tenure as manager, he was able to go to Hamburger University in Chicago where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Hamburgerology. One of the accolades that were given to him by the corporate owners was “Those who take the hamburger business more seriously than anyone else”. Later he left the casual dining profession and decided to try his hand in grocery retail. He started as a deli manager for The Fresh Market where his leadership skills and hard work were recognized and was offered a position with the UKROP’S company. Mandel supervised the hot foods and perishable departments for many years until his retirement due to his health beginning to decline.

Mandel confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized at Rising Sun Baptist Church. Later in his walk of faith, he joined St. Stephen’s Calvary Pentecostal Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Joyce Ann Mines who was proceeded by Pastor Steve Mines. After ten years of dedicated service, he decided to join Miracle Temple under the tutelage of the late Dr. Floyd M. Blackwell, where he served as an armor bearer. He continued to grow in the Lord and accepted the call of a deacon, singing in the choir, being a part of the Men’s Fellowship, and the Director of the Culinary Hospitality Ministries. After Dr. Blackwell retired, Pastor A.R. Cooper saw a higher calling on Mandel’s life. He became a Minister in Training in 2017.

On August 30, 1986, Mandel joined in Holy Matrimony to Kathy L. James. Unto this union, they were blessed with three children, James Mandel Aumont Roache II (JMAR), Jameshia Monet-Alice Roache, and Jordan Michael Aaron Roache, all of Newport News, Virginia.

Mandel was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Nettie Lewis Harper and Gilmore Harper; paternal grandparents, Mary Smith Mason and Alex Mason; maternal aunt, Louise Harper-Talton; maternal uncle, Thomas Harper; and mother-in-law, Bessie D. Moore.

He is survived by his wife Kathy; children, James Mandel Aumont Roache II (Samantha), Jordan Michael Aaron Roache (Chelsie), and Jameshia Monet-Alice Roache (Alice); five grandchildren, Dystanie Scippio, Gabrielle Roache, James Roache III, Arianna Baker, and Aymia Roache, all of Newport News,  Virginia; godchildren, La’Kisha Jones (Pastor Donzell Jones Sr.) of Hampton, Virginia, Kendall James Jr. (Kaylea) of West Virginia, Taylia Bland of Newport News, Virginia, Kristopher Greenhow of Georgia, and Amarion Sedgwick of New Kent, Virginia; brother, Jon Roache (Joycelyn) of Williamsburg, Virginia; father-in-law, Milton Lee Green Jr. of Las Vegas, Nevada; aunt, Evoria Greene of Philadelphia, PA; brothers-in-law, Kendall James Sr. (Vicky) of Williamsburg, Virginia, Wayne Moore Jr. (Monica), and Anthoney Green, both of Las Vegas, Nevada; sister-in-law, Kristie Taylor of Williamsburg, Virginia; cousins, Barbara Talton of Georgia, Veronica Jordan (Rev. Van Jordan) of D.C.,  Janetta Greene of North Carolina, Charles Greene of Philadelphia, PA., and Alex Greene (Brenda) of Williamsburg, Virginia; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon Wednesday, August 18, 2021, at Miracle Temple Baptist Church, 617 32nd Street, Newport News.  Facial coverings and social distancing are recommended.  Livestream will be available at the beginning of the service.  Entombment to follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens.  Mr. Roache may be viewed on Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting’s Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

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