James “Jamie” Edward Rochelle, 42, of Scotts Hill, North Carolina, passed away on Sunday, June 25th, 2023, due to an allergic reaction. He was a beloved member of the Topsail High School community, renowned for his talents in basketball and golf, as well as his dedication to teaching and coaching. Jamie leaves behind a legacy of joy, laughter, and unyielding support for his athletes and students.
Early Life and Education
Jamie was born and raised in the Asheville, North Carolina area. From a young age, he showed a passion for sports, particularly basketball. In high school, he joined the Topsail High School football and basketball teams and excelled in both sports. After graduating, Jamie attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, where he earned a degree in Physical Education and later completed his Master’s Degree at East Carolina University.
Professional Career
Upon completing his education, Jamie began his professional career as a P.E. teacher at Sunset Park Elementary in Wilmington, NC. He immediately embraced teaching and coaching, starting his career at Ashley High School as an Assistant Coach of the varsity basketball team and the Head Coach of the JV football team. Just over 15 years ago, Jamie transferred to Topsail High School, where he spent the rest of his coaching and teaching career.
At Topsail High School, Jamie was loved by both students and athletes. He was known for his passion for basketball and golf, and his dedication to building a strong athletic program. Jamie led several basketball and golf fundraisers for the Topsail Athletic Program and was recently named the girls golf coach. He was a true mentor and believer in the next generation of athletes, investing his time and energy into their development.
Community and Faith
Beyond his professional career, Jamie was a devoted Christian who spoke about his faith and trust in Jesus in his graduation speech at Topsail High School. He believed that controlling one’s life was crucial, emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in Jesus. Jamie was fun-loving, full of humor, and had an infectious ability to make people smile, whether in his personal or professional life.
Family and Friendship
Jamie’s passion for life and his devotion to his family were evident through his relationships with his children, Jenna, Lilly, and Garrett. He was a devoted father who prioritized being present for his children, often finding ways to make them laugh and celebrate their achievements. As a friend, Jamie was loyal, bringing a comedic relief to his friends and a sense of connection to his colleagues, athletes, and students.
Legacy and Honor
Jamie’s legacy will live on through the many lives he touched, particularly through the Topsail High School athletic department. A celebration of life service is planned for Friday, June 30th, at 11:00 am at Topsail High School, where the public is invited to attend. Donations in Jamie’s memory can be made to the Topsail High School Athletic Department or to Renovation Church.
In honor of Jamie’s memory, the Topsail High School Lady Pirates golf team will wear his signature rainbow flip flops on their sleeves during their Mideastern Conference play. The rainbow, a symbol of joy and positivity, will serve as a poignant reminder of Jamie’s lasting presence and the impact he had on the team and the community.
Jamie Rochelle will be deeply missed by his family, friends, students, and colleagues. His passion, dedication, and love for life will continue to inspire others in the Topsail community and beyond.
