On Friday, September 18, 2026, James W. Roush passed from his earthly life to his heavenly home. The man known as Jim, Jimmy, or simply “Roush,” received excellent care at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus as well as later at the nearby Ohio Health Hospice House. The family cannot express enough thanks to all who cared for him there as well as the care he received for years at Holzer Hospital here in Gallia County.

Jim was born on May 1, 1938, in New Haven, West Virginia. His parents were Ralph W. Roush and Iva London Roush. Siblings were Kathleen and Patricia. All of these folks have already left this world too. Jim married Roberta Johnson Roush in 1959 and was married to her for over 65 years before she passed in 2024.

Jim played sports in high school and was very involved in all aspects of Wahama High School from which he graduated in 1956. This year, his great grandson Max, is playing on the same White Falcon field on which his grandfather played. One of his fondest memories was when his grandsons took him to see Wahama play in one of Wahama’s many championship games. Through the years, he loved watching his grandsons and daughters engage in the many sports they played. When able, he even managed to take in some games with the greats as well. He loved the outdoors and some of his fondest memories in childhood were hunting and fishing with his father, uncles, and cousins. Any time outside spent in planting or caring for flowers and plants was time well spent in his eyes.

At the age of 18, Jim started 43.5 years of his career with OVEC. He became a master welder and made lifelong friends while working there. Jim served in the United States Army during peace time at Virginia Beach. He was a member of his local Elks club.

As stated, his wife, Bertie, preceded Jim in death in 2024. He is survived by his daughters, Cindy (David) Graham, and Lisa (Tom) Richie. In addition, five grandchildren share memories of their grandfather. They are Jamie (Amy) Graham, Cassie (Aaron) Walker, Jake (Tracy) Richie, Joe (Beth) Graham, and Valerie Henry. Great grandchildren are Lindsey (Bronson) Eustler, Patrick (Kevin) Graham, Kamryn, Zeke, Loulea, Max, Aftyn, Omi, Livvy, Graham, Jane, James Cole, Cole Lane, Winnie, Stone, Juni, and Owen. Great great grandchildren are Livvy and Cole Eustler and Braedon and Bryson Graham. Also surviving is a special friend and brother-in-law, Kenneth Hern, in addition to numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank neighbors and extraordinary friends, Mike and Betty Jo Carter, Tabi and Charlie Fitchpatrick, and Ryan Henry. Gratitude is extended to special caregivers Rhonda Pruitt and Jenny Bowman for the gracious and loving care they also extended to our father.

Dad accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior when he was a child at the Wesleyan Church in New Haven. Our parents, Jim and Bertie, were married in Grace Methodist Church in 1959 and he has been a member there since. He served on more than one committee at that house of worship and it is at Grace Methodist where his life will be honored. Friends may call at the main sanctuary at 11:00 am until 12:00 pm on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. The service will begin at 12:00 and burial will follow in Mound Hill Cemetery with Military Honors being presented by the VFW #4464 Honor Guard.. Pallbearers are Jamie Graham, Jake Richie, Joe Graham, Zeke and Max Richie, and Graham Walker. The family would appreciate no flowers but instead donations in Dad’s name to Grace Methodist Church or Wahama White Falcons Athletic Boosters. This obituary was created with love by his daughters. Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home is assisting the family. An online guest registry is available at waugh-halley-wood.com