Belvidere, IllinoisJohn Arthur Roach, 76, of Belvidere, IL died Monday, January 12, 2009 in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. John was born September 2, 1932 in DeKalb County, IL the son of Arthur and Pearl (Eklund) Roach. John was baptized and joined Kirkland Methodist Church. He went grades 1-12 and graduated from Kirkland High School in 1950 with the honor of Salutatorian and president of his class. John was very active in basketball and F.F.A all through high school.He helped his father farm where he was born and raised. He raised purebred Duroc hogs and received many show awards. On December 2, 1952 he was called to serve his country in the Korean War. He received many high honorary medals. As a Sergeant on September 29, 1954, he received an honorable discharge.After his army service, he was employed as assistant manager of Western Tire Auto Store in Elgin. In 1955 he transferred to Belvidere Western Tire Store as assistant manager. On July 16, 1955 he married Janice Dawn Hyde at the Belvidere Methodist Church. In 1958 he opened his own Belvidere Tire and Appliance Store. He was there for 3 years and then moved his business to Kirkland in the name of John Roach Appliance and Hardware. John also grain farmed 340 acres as he ran his appliance business. In 1978 John sold out his business and retired from farming. He then was a farm machinery salesman for R.J. Daniels for 8 years. John was very happy to join Sheehan Implement in Sycamore as a salesman.John was a former member of Kirkland Lions Club, Kirkland Fire Dept. and a member of the DeKalb County Farm Bureau. He was also an animal lover and will be missed by his four legged grand-dogs, Taco, Spike and Sunny.John was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He is survived by his wife, Janice of Belvidere; sons, Neal (Maureen) of Downs, IL and Jay (Paula) Roach of Belvidere, IL; granddaughter, Katy and grandson James. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter Taylor Nicole Roach.

To the family in John's memory.