Obituary - James Albert Rouse, Jr.

September 9, 1934 - December 16, 2018

Kinston - James Albert Rouse Jr., 84, of Kinston, passed away on Sunday, December 16, 2018. James Albert was born September 9, 1934 in Lenoir County to the late James Albert Rouse and Hazel Sutton Rouse.

Sports were a large part of James Albert’s life. He was a baseball coach in Moss Hill for many years. For James Albert, though, it was about more than the game. He made sure that every kid had a chance to play and that they always had everything they needed to be part of the team. When baseball season had ended and basketball season had begun, James Albert was sure to be cheering on his favorite team. He was the Tarheels’ biggest fan and never wanted to miss watching a game.

His sports activity didn’t end on the court or in the field. He thoroughly enjoyed outdoor activities as well. James Albert took pride in teaching the “city boys” what country life was all about. It was commonplace for him to go shooting with Jay and Wendy when they were growing up. He was most content with a fishing pole in hand as he waited to catch brim and perch.

James Albert knew the value in a hard day’s work and always put forth his best effort. He was a dedicated DuPont employee for 45 years. He would arrive for work early every morning and stayed until the job was done. James Albert was only late one day, in the middle of a blizzard. He applied the same dedication and faithfulness to church, and was a pillar of Holy Innocents Episcopal Church in Moss Hill.

Of all James Albert’s accomplishments, however, his greatest was his family. James Albert and his wife, Jean, met in as youngsters at 4H Camp. Their childhood romance blossomed into a loving and fruitful marriage. He and Jean worked hard to build a lasting relationship as they raised their children, Jay and Wendy. James Albert was determined to put his family first and teach his children right from wrong. Though he was stern and often the disciplinarian, his children knew that their daddy loved them. When James Albert became a grandfather, his grandbabies immediately became the apples of his eye. He always considered his Brittany spaniels to be a part of his family, and took extra care in spoiling them rotten. James Albert will be remembered for his honesty, generosity, and dependability.

A service to celebrate the life of James Albert Rouse will be held Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Holy Innocents Episcopal Church. Burial will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park.

James Albert is survived by his wife of almost 63 years, Jean Whitfield Rouse; daughter, Wendy Rouse Singleton and husband, Anthony; son, James Albert “Jay” Rouse, III and wife, Sandee; three grandchildren, Jessica Abigail “Abbey” Rouse, Sommer Leigh Holmes and Brooke Whitfield Holmes; along with a number of nieces, nephews and cousins who were very special to James Albert. In addition to his parents, James Albert was preceded in death by a sister, Elaine Rouse Broadwell.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Memorials may be made to Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, 6861 Highway 55 West, Seven Springs, NC 28578. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.