James A. Rouse

Deacon James “Jim” Rouse peacefully passed away at the age of 90 surrounded by his family on April 3, 2026, after a life well lived. Jim was known by many, adored and loved by all.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years Rosina “Rose”; dear brother Stan; loving daughters Ann Lynn (Mike), Mary Rouse (Craig Martin), and Janet Rouse (David Shuey); adoring grandchildren James Lynn (Daneya), Teresa Dodge (Ben), Sara Martin, Natalie Martin, Sophia Martin (Tristin Buentello), Emily Shuey, Anna Pastrick, Erin Lamos (Matt), Grace Pastrick, and Cecilia Pastrick; treasured great-grandchildren Maggie Lynn, Ellie Lynn, and Quentin Dodge; cherished nephews Marco Bianchi (Dinorah Alverez) and Mike Bianchi (Erin Casey); special great-nephews Dylan Bianchi, Noah Bianchi, Braulio Bianchi; dear sister-in-law Mary Bianchi; plus cousins, friends, and colleagues. He is predeceased by his parents Cecil & Alice Rouse; in-laws Ambrogio & Luisa Bianchi, Tony & Charlotte Bianchi, and Angelo Bianchi; niece Toni Ann West as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Born in Newport, KY on October 7, 1935, Jim was raised in a Christian environment, influenced by Sunday school and his uncle who was an ordained Protestant minister. After graduating from Newport High School in 1953, he attended the University of Cincinnati where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1958, and a Master of Science in Aeronautical-Astronautical Engineering from The Ohio State University, 1967. His engineering co-ops took him to Washington, DC and California, but he found his true love, Rose, in Cincinnati. They settled in Columbus where he and Rose made countless memories and loved each other unconditionally for 64 years while raising their family, growing community, and trying to make the world a better place.

Jim’s career as a professional engineer morphed over the years from working on flight simulators to cryogenics and continued through the summer of 2025 as a consultant doing structural analysis for sign companies. When others retired, Jim loved to continually engage and learn by taking professional development courses well into his late 80’s.

Jim had many personal and professional roles throughout his life, but the job he truly excelled at was being a dad. He would say it was the only job he wanted to get fired from, because if you do it right, they let you go! Jim’s patience, guidance, and uncanny ability to find special connections with each of his three daughters helped form them into compassionate and fiercely independent women. From playing tennis with Ann, to weekend-long bike rides with Mary, and photography with Janet, they all treasured their special time with Dad and the impact he had on their lives. Family was always at the center of his life; he was the patriarch of an ever-growing family that enjoyed holidays, celebrations, and bi-annual trips to the Outer Banks for many years

The spiritual side of Jim was remarkable. In 1967, he converted to Catholicism after being influenced by his wife, close CFM (Christian Family Movement) friends, and Bishop George Fulcher. His Baptism by Father Jack Marquis was the first step into a life of Christian ministry that he and Rose shared for their entire marriage. They worked together to help Cambodian and Somalian refugees, ministered to those in prison, went on service trips to aid Hurricane Katrina victims and impoverished areas in Honduras, and more. In 1997, he was ordained a Permanent Deacon in the Catholic Church. Jim faithfully served the Columbus Diocese over the next 28 years as Permanent Deacon and Parish Administrator at several churches and as Diocesan Vice Chancellor. He officiated the marriage of his granddaughter Teresa (Ben) and baptized five of his grandchildren as well as his great-nephew Dylan Bianchi.

In addition to family, faith and work, Jim made time for many hobbies. There were always home improvement projects, gardening, and car repair projects that he insisted on doing himself. In his earlier years, he enjoyed skiing, golf, sailing, bicycling, and CB radios. In their later years, Jim and Rose took great pleasure in traveling to car shows around the country with their beloved 1967 and 1999 Mustangs. They also enjoyed travel in their retirement, especially trips to Italy to visit with Rose’s family where he always felt at home in Ferentino, the Bianchi ancestral hometown. They took each of their grandchildren on special vacations that included California, Italy, New England and Alaska, making memories for a lifetime.

Jim will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, but we rejoice in his release from his broken body and know that he has joined his loved ones in heaven.

Visitation will be on Friday April 10, 2026 at 4-7pm at ST. JOAN OF ARC CATHOLIC CHURCH, 10700 Liberty Road, Powell, OH 43065 followed by a Vigil Service at 7pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday April 11, 2026 at 10:30am at St. Joan Of Arc followed by interment at Resurrection Cemetery, Lewis Center, OH.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Columbus Catholic Social Services, 197 East Gay Street, Columbus, OH 43215, in Jim’s memory.

Please visit www.tiddfuneralservice.com to share your favorite memories and to send your condolences to the Rouse Family.