Community Mourns John 'Jack' Roche, Killed In Traffic Accident

OAK LAWN, IL — A community is in mourning at the sudden loss of a 21-year-old Oak Lawn man who died late Saturday when he was struck by a vehicle while crossing a busy street. John “Jack” Roche was a 2017 graduate of Marist High School and was about to enter his fourth year at the University of Kansas.

Chicago police said Roche was hit by a Honda SUV traveling southbound on Pulaski when he stepped into the street near 111th Street just before midnight July 11. The male driver stayed at the scene where the young man was pronounced dead. No citations have been issued and alcohol did not appear to be a factor, police said. The Chicago Police Department Major Accidents is investigating the accident.

Known as "Jack" to family and friends, Roche was born May 5, 1999. He grew up in Oak Lawn and attended St. Catherine of Alexandria School. He was recalled as a wonderful and considerate young man in social media tributes that poured in from the Marist community and KU. During Roche’s years at Marist High School, he was an unsung hero working tirelessly behind the scenes as the manager of the football, baseball and boys basketball teams. Roche was also a student ambassador and member of the string ensemble.

He was voted by his senior class winner of the Jack Callahan Award, that recognizes a graduating senior for their school spirit, according to the Marist website. Roche was set to begin his fourth year as manager for the KU football team.

Roche went on to work behind the scenes as manager of the KU Jayhawks football team. Coach Les Miles tweeted that Jack would forever be part of the KU family.

“The KU football family is heartbroken to hear of the passing of Jack Roche. Jack was a tremendous, hard-working young man who embodied what our program is all about. We will remember Jack, and he will forever be a part of our family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Roches.”

Kansas Football tweeted that Roche would “forever part of our team. Rest easy Jack.” The team also posted a video tribute of Roche explaining his role as manager of the university’s football team.

“With this job as manager it allows me to meet these players as great athletes, and help the coaches do very well and win games,” Roche says.

The Marist High School Baseball account tweeted: “Very sad to say that the Marist family and baseball program lost a legend today. Jack Roche from the 2017 class was one of the classiest people to walk the halls of Marist High school. Every manager we get always mentions that they want to be the next Jack Roche. Rip Jack.”

Jack leaves his parents, John and Kim; his brother, Patrick, a 2020 Marist graduate, and sister, Lilly, a member of the Marist Class of 2021; his grandparents, James and Joan Butler; grandmother, Nancy Roche; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Martin Roche.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 18, at Marist High School, 4200 W. 111th St., Chicago. Federal, state, and City of Chicago COVID-19 laws, mandate that visitors to Marist High School for services will be limited to a 50-person maximum in the building. Those paying respects must maintain proper social distancing. Face masks are also required. Funeral Mass and interment will be private. Arrangements are entrusted to Curley Funeral Home.