On Wednesday, June 28, 2023, Jim Rockey passed away at the age of 88.
Jim was born on July 15, 1934 in Alliance, NE to Dale Rockey and Alice (Planansky) Rockey. He was the oldest of five sons.
Jim was a small town boy who set his sights on joining the military and seeing the world. After high school, Jim moved to Roswell, NM to attend New Mexico Military Institute.
After college, Jim joined the army. One of his first assignments was at Fort Knox, KY, where he met and fell hard for a small town farm girl named Deanie Girten.
Jim proposed on the couple’s second date. They wed 77 days later and were married for more than 64 years. Deanie passed away in 2021.
The couple had four children, Stephen, Mark, Mary Ann and Patrick. They also adored their six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
During his 30+ year military career, Jim served in both Korea and Vietnam, earning the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star. He retired at the rank of Colonel.
Jim and Deanie settled in Poquoson after retirement, where they lived for 25 years – the longest either had lived in one place.
Jim spent more than 20 years volunteering at the Army Transportation Museum at Fort Eustis.
He also enjoyed his work with the Exchange Club in Poquoson, where he always played Santa at the annual pancake breakfast fundraiser.
A funeral mass will be held at 11 am on July 15, 2023 at Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church in Yorktown.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either the church or the Army Transportation Museum Foundation.