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Obituary: James Roger Gooch

Posted on September 25, 2008 by Staff

James Roger Gooch, 83, passed away on Sept. 19th at his home in Chapel Hill surrounded by his family.

Jim was a sixth-generation Chapel Hillian and the son of Blanche Pendgraft Gooch and Charles Gooch.

Jim graduated from Chapel Hill High School before entering World War II when he served as a U.S. Navy first-class petty officer with the Atlantic and Pacific fleets. Through the GI Bill, he attended and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1951 with a degree in business administration.

Never seeking the limelight, he was a friend to all and helped many in ways that improved their lives. Active in the Chapel Hill community, he served as president of the Glenwood School PTA and later helped the PTA to purchase a building to house the Thrift Shop. He was president and treasurer of the Chapel Hill Country Club and was a member of the Tar Heel Investors stock club. He treasured his status as an honorary Girl Scout, working with his wife, Elsia, a long time scouting leader. He retired from the American Tobacco Company in 1985 after a 38-year career as a staff accounting supervisor.

He was a superb cook, and family and friends eagerly devoured his holiday cheese straws as well as his wine-marinated roast and other treasured family recipes. Jim’s culinary skills carried on the Gooch family tradition; his father and grandfater both owned and operated restaurants in Chapel Hill – Gooch’s Cafe and Gooch’s Restaurant.

He appeared in the PBS Documentary, “The GI Bill,” produced by Chapel Hillian and neighbor Karen Thomas.

He is survived by his daughters, Cynthia (Michael) Cross and Dianne (John) Shaw, and two grandsons, Patrick and Will Cross, all of Chapel Hill. His sister, Evelyn Watkins, lives in Durham. He was pre-deceased by his wife, Elsia; his brothers, Eric and Charles; and his sister, Katherine. The family gratefully acknowledges the devoted care and service of Angelo Moore, who was his caretaker for the last seven years of his life. The family also wishes to thank Dr. Patrick Guiteras and the staff of Chapel Hill Family Medicine for their compassionate care and support. Additionally, the family thanks Edward Nijiri for his two years of dedicated care of their father.

A graveside service was held Monday, Sept. 22 at 2 p.m. at the Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetary.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, CB# 7295, Chapel Hill, 27599-7295.

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