Jackie “Jack” Roades, 83, of St. Joseph passed away on January 17, 2026. Jack was born on October 30, 1942 in St. Joseph, MO to Buell and Mary Roades.
He married Patricia “Pat” Kline on July 26, 1969 in St. Joseph, MO.
Jack served as a sergeant in the US Army for a few years.
After the army, Jack continued serving the community by becoming a high school teacher for St. Joseph School District, where he worked for 30 years until his retirement in 2001. Initially he taught mathematics, but wanting to do even more good, he obtained a masters degree in Special Education and transitioned into the Special Education Department at Central High School. As a special education teacher, his most-loved responsibility was helping his students find jobs around the community. He also sponsored the Wrestling Cheerleading Squad at Central for many years, and worked with the kids in the SEED program at MWSU during the summers.
When not at work, Jack loved traveling all over the US with his wife Pat and their children. Their favorite destination for many years was California, spending time at Disneyland as annual pass holders. During that time, Jack loved following the Disneyland Band around the park and knew many of the members well, which is just one example of the many life-long friends that Jack and Pat made at the park. They also belonged to the NFFC (The Club for Disneyana Enthusiasts) and attended several Disney-related conferences.
One of Jack’s favorite hobbies was to create leather items by hand. He made belts, bracelets, wallets, and purses and often gave them as gifts to friends and family (or really anyone who had a need).
Jack was preceded in death by his wife Pat, his parents, his half brothers Gary Roades and Norman “Dusty” Roades, and his in-laws Tony and Gladys Kline.
Survivors include his three children, Tina Leight-Roades (Julie) of San Marcos, CA, Greg Roades (Julie) of St. Joseph, MO, and Michael Roades (Georgia) of St. Joseph, MO; eight grandchildren, Cierra, Maddie, Gabe, Braden, Kailey, Andy, Sam, and Cam; six great-grandchildren, Cuilin, Keiron, Norah, Callum, Lylah, and Ivan; other relatives and friends.
Jack has been cremated under the direction of Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel. There will be no services.
