James P Laroe

Rotterdam - James “Jim” Peter LaRoe, lifelong resident of Rotterdam, N.Y., passed away peacefully on September 2, 2016 at St. Peters Hospital surrounded by loved ones. Born June 7, 1942, Jim was the youngest of three sons of the late Lawrence and Mary LaRoe. Jim graduated from Draper High School in 1960 and went on to serve in the U.S. Army from 1961-1964. He subsequently joined the New York State workforce, retiring in 1998. Jim battled multiple sclerosis for many of his 74 years on earth, but he did so bravely, with an unrelenting spirit and an unwavering love for his family. His illness did not define him; he chose instead to relish the roles of husband, father and PopPop. He is survived by Deborah, his wife of 43 years; son Christopher LaRoe (Loudonville, NY); daughter Cheryl Johnson (Three River, CA); and grandchildren Audrey and Evelyn LaRoe and Bradley Johnson. Jim was disarmingly charming; his sharp wit and dry sense of humor would keep you on your toes. Jim was by all definitions a family man, and he is also survived by a wonderful extended family, including his daughter-in-law Sarah; son-in-law Michael; father-in-law William Zobre, sisters-in-law Doreen (Bernard) Graham, Diane Zobre, Donna Baxter, Denise (William) Lauer, and Darrel (Joseph) DeGiule; brothers-in-law Donald (Elizabeth) Zobre, David (Theresa) Zobre, Douglas (Terri) Zobre, Daniel (Connie) Zobre, and Dwight (Susan) Zobre; and many wonderful nieces and nephews. Jim was pre-deceased by his brothers William LaRoe, Jr. and Nelson LaRoe, his mother-in-law Elinor Zobre, his brother-in-law John Baxter, and his special four-legged buddy Lulu. A prayer service will begin 6:30 pm Tuesday at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam. Calling hours will precede the service from 3:30-6:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Peters Hospice.