James Roan

James O. ?Jim? Roan, 87, of Pineville, KY, died on Friday, September 2, 2011 at Pineville Community Hospital. He was born in Hazard, KY on April 2, 1924 a son of the late James Anthony and Kathleen Osborne Roan. Jim graduated from Pineville City School in 1941, attended Union College and graduated from University of KY College of Engineering with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942 and served during World War II and was a member of the original crew on the USS Queenfish SS393 and made all 5 war patrols. He was Honorably Discharged in 1946. Jim had a long working career, never really retiring. After 30 years with Kentucky Utilities as a Mountain Division Engineer, he then worked for Bow Valley Resources, Vaughn and Melton, Cumberland Valley Contractors and ROCO Enterprises. His hobby was writing and he published 3 books and authored a poem ?The Boat? after learning that the Queenfish had been sunk as a target by another sub. A Community minded person, Jim served on many boards and committees, including, KY Mountain Laurel Festival, serving three terms as General Chairperson (1951, 1952 and 1986) and the Board of Directors. He received every award available from the Festival including, Outstanding Service Award, Carolyn Brooks Award, Honorary Director, Norman Chrisman Award and KMLF Hall of Fame Award. He had also served on the Pineville Library Board, Bell County 4-H Council, Kiwanis Club, Pineville Utility Board, many years on the Pineville School Board, KY State Board of Professional Engineers, where he received the Outstanding Service Award for Outstanding Engineer in KY; Robert M. Watt Award for Life Saving and the Pineville Community Hospital Board. In 1977, he served on the Flood Related Projects Committee and was selected as Rotary Man of the Year, 1977. Jim currently served on the PHS Hall of Fame Committee. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Anne Roan Drummond and special cousins, Mason Combs and Frank Foreman. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Gerry Chandler Roan; children, Robert Roan and Wife, Michele; Michael Roan and friend, Amy Hufstedler and Sarah Biddy and husband, Dewayne; grandchildren, Jacob Roan, Lindsey Roan, James Mason Roan and Morgan Biddy; special family members, Rosemary Combs and family; special friend, Betty Golden, special caregiver, Martha Combs Woolum and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.