James Roueche Memorial Concert
Photo by Stacey Haines
Thursday, November 1, 7:30 p.m.
School of Music Recital Hall
Free and open to the public
Reception to follow
The School of Music lost a devoted patron and friend with the passing of James Leo Roueche on March 20, 2007. The program for the evening will feature the Borodin Piano Quintet in C minor (1862), Turina Scène Andalouse Op.7 Sextet for Viola, Piano and String Quartet, and Shostakovich Piano Trio Op.67 in e minor.
A native of Salisbury, North Carolina, Jim was born on Groundhog Day, February 2, 1923. He graduated from Guilford College and Oklahoma State A&M with degrees in Physics and Advanced Mechanical Engineering. A combat infantry veteran of World War II, a charter member of the Battle of Normandy, and a member of the Military Order of the Ardennes, Jim was a highly decorated veteran, having been awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.
As a young man, Jim enjoyed scuba diving and was also an avid tennis player, winning many singles tournaments, and doubles competitions, partnering with his beloved wife, Mollie, the mother of his three children, Adele, Jean, and James III. Jim retired from the Actuarial Department of Jefferson Pilot Corporation. He had a huge record collection and never tired of listening to the big band music of his youth. He was also a member of the United States Tennis Association, the Patriot Society, and the Cousteau Society.
After Mollie’s death in 1995, UNCG, particularly the School of Music, filled the empty hours and attracted Jim’s attention. For the last eleven years of his life, Jim became an enthusiastic advocate and supporter of the marvelous work being done and the talented students at the UNCG School of Music. He had a special affection for the international students majoring in music, welcoming them into his home, attending their recitals, and offering them grandfatherly assistance and support. He continued to receive visits, letters, and phone calls from many of these young people long after they graduated and left campus.
Jim was especially proud of the two endowments established at the School of Music in his honor: The William F. Black Jazz Studies Scholarship Endowment and the James L. Roueché and Willard S. “Boots” Smith Music Endowment for International Students. Until ill health made it too difficult, Jim faithfully attended every musical program on the School of Music calendar and was named an honorary member of the faculty in 2001.
