Jerry Rochelle

Jerry Allen Rochelle, 78, passed away suddenly on July 4, 2018, in Texarkana, Texas. Jerry loved life and embraced it to its' fullest. He was well known for his quick wit, sense of humor, and way of quietly helping others in need. He was dedicated to the legal profession with a successful law practice for over 50 years. Jerry loved his family dearly as well as his many friends. Jerry was born on July 3, 1940, to J.B. and Bessie Rochelle in Dallas, Texas. He grew up in Texarkana, Texas, and graduated from Texas Senior High School in 1958. He was a proud member of Watty Meyers Tiger football team. Jerry graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 1962 with a BA in history. He went on to graduate from U.T. Law in 1964. He loved being a Longhorn and was a proud member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. Jerry married his high school sweetheart, Jane Alice James, and they recently celebrated 56 years of marriage. After law school, Jerry and Jane returned to Texarkana. Jerry loved Texarkana and would have never considered living anywhere else. Jerry was past President of The Texarkana Bar Association, the Optimist Club, the Texarkana chapter of Texas Exes, and a past Board member of CASA. Jerry was active at First United Methodist Church, Arkansas, where he served on the Board as Finance Chairman and enjoyed teaching Sunday School for the Dodson class. He was licensed to practice law in Texas, Arkansas, numerous federal courts, and was admitted to practice before The United States Supreme Court. Jerry is survived by his wife, Jane "Puddin" Rochelle, his son Jeffrey Allen Rochelle and his wife Anne, and his daughter Jennifer Ann Landry. He is blessed with seven amazing grandchildren that were all the apple of his eye: David, Thomas, Mollie, Sallie and Lindsey Rochelle and Mason and Thomas Landry. He leaves behind his sisters in law Hillary Jean Rochelle, Gloria Rochelle, Debbie James, and many cherished friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his brothers, Dr. J.B. Rochelle, III and Dr. Donald G. Rochelle, and brothers and sister-in- laws, Ann and Charles Shilling, and Ed James. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, July 8, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church 400 East Sixth Street, Texarkana, Arkansas. A reception will follow in the Church Parlor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to First United Methodist Church, Texarkana, Arkansas or the charity of your choice.