John J. Rockis, 62, of Morgantown, passed away peacefully in his home Friday, Jan. 17, 2020 after a lengthy illness. He was born March 12, 1957 in Morgantown, son of the late John Rockis Jr. and Bonnie Wion Rockis.
He graduated from Morgantown High School in 1975, where he was an outstanding football player. He also excelled in both wrestling and track. John was a graduate of West Virginia University Business School in 1980 and earned a reserve commission in the Army as Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery). He served with the West Virginia National Guard, 201st Field Artillery as Fire Direction Officer, Battery Executive Officer and Battery Commander of Battery B, First Battalion 201st Field Artillery until his discharge in 1988. He was awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal for superior service during the Albright/Rowlesburg, West Virginia flood disasters of 1985 among numerous commendations for state mobilizations.
John was an avid outdoorsman that enjoyed hunting, fishing, and scuba diving as an open water dive instructor, dive master, rescue diver and salvage diver. A few of his many passions included military history, classical music, astronomy, MG sports cars and exotic plants.
He will be greatly missed by his friends, business partners and many family members. He is survived by his brother, Mike and wife Joyce Rockis; niece, Kathleen Rockis-Gibson and husband Gunnery Sergeant Joshua Gibson; cousins Pamala K. Wion and Maryann Hardesty that he thought of as sisters; as well as numerous cousins and extended family members.
In keeping with his wishes, cremation services have been entrusted to Hastings Funeral Home. Friends and family will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown, from 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 until the time of the celebration of life memorial service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Tim Wotring officiating. A graveside committal service will take place at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Mt. Morris at 2 p.m. Saturday with full military funeral rites.
A special thanks to the Morgantown Hospice team and the staff at Morgantown Right at Home. In place of flowers, consider a donation in John’s name to Morgantown Hospice, 3596 Collins Ferry Road, Suite 250, Morgantown, WV 26505.
Condolences:
www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
