ROCHE, Dr. John

ROCHE - Dr. John James died peacefully at Sobell House Hospice, Oxford, UK, on May 20, 2024. He was born to parents James and Margaret Roche on June 26, 1937, in Athlone, the oldest of five siblings. He is survived by his brothers Paul (Kathleen), Aidan (Louise), and James; sister Margaret; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. John was an accomplished and well-known research scientist and educator. After the family moved to Galway in 1950, he attended St. Ignatius College Galway, then earned BSc and MSc degrees in physics at Galway University. In 1961, he established a physics department at Strathmore College (now Strathmore University) in Nairobi, Kenya, an Opus Dei school. He taught physics and mathematics at Strathmore for 10 years. In 1972, he left to study for his doctorate in the history of science at the University of Oxford. He remained in Oxford for the rest of his career, teaching and pursuing research in the history of science. He was senior lecturer in physics at Oxford Brooks University and an associate fellow and tutor at Harris Manchester College Oxford. For more than 30 years he taught courses in the history of science as a faculty member at Linacre College Oxford and as a senior tutor at the Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies. He was a very effective and popular lecturer. His passion for teaching is reflected in his research. He described his chief research interest as using the history of physics to clarify fundamental concepts of present-day physics, particularly as taught to new students. He published widely in academic journals on this theme, organized conferences, and served as Chairman of the History of Physics Group at the Institute of Physics. He authored a widely cited book intended for experts in his field, "The Mathematics of Measurement.” In recent years, he worked on a new book, “Rearticulating Physics,” several chapters of which appear on the Academia website. Overall, he leaves an extensive body of work invaluable to future researchers and teachers as new concepts of physics emerge. John was a devout Catholic and very interested in the intersection of religion and science. As part of the Scholarship and Christianity in Oxford (SCIO) organization, he participated in Templeton Foundation-funded seminars on that topic. Along with his many academic pursuits, John enjoyed spending time with his relatives in England, Ireland, Africa, and California. He is survived by his nephews Mick (Ali), Brian, Kieran (Elaine), and Colin (Colleen); niece Julie (Robert); six grandnieces and three grandnephews. John will be greatly missed by his relatives, friends and colleagues for his kindness, affection and generosity. The Roche family is indebted to Mick and Ali for providing him with constant help, love and care during his final months. Funeral services were held in Oxford. Interment, officiated by Fr. John Roche, Kiltegan Fathers, will be at Bohermore Cemetery in Galway.