Topsail teacher/coach Jamie Rochelle dead at 42
Taught and coached at Topsail for 15 years
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) – Topsail is mourning the loss of teacher and coach Jamie Rochelle.
Our hearts are broken today. Topsail Football Alum, former assistant coach, and awesome PE teacher at THS Jamie Rochelle passed away unexpectedly this weekend. We are praying for Coach Rochelle’s family and friends, and will miss his Pirate Pride. #alwaysapirate pic.twitter.com/CxRNbsLWqL
— Topsail Football (@TopsailFootball) June 26, 2023
Rochelle served as an educator for 20 years, 15 of them in Hampstead at Topsail. He has served in roles as the head boys’ basketball coach, head boy’s golf coach, assistant football coach, and was slated to take over as head coach of the girl’s golf program this fall. He is also a Topsail alum.
Friends of Rochelle tell WWAY Rochelle passed away from an allergic reaction on Sunday.
Pender County Schools issued the following statement:
It is with a heavy heart that I write to let you all know about the passing of a beloved Pirate and one of my best friends, Jamie Rochelle. Jamie was a 1999 graduate of Topsail and 15 years ago he returned as a faculty member. In his time at Topsail he was our Digital Learning Coordinator, a PE Teacher, Drivers Education teacher, Assistant Football coach, Assistant Basketball coach, Head Men’s Basketball coach, Head Boys Golf coach, and had just been named the head coach for our Girls golf team this upcoming school year. Jamie bled Black and Gold, but more important than anything listed above Jamie had a heart for this community, this school and our students.
Jamie has three children, Jenna will be a Senior, Lilly will be a Sophomore, and Garrett will be in 8th grade. In addition to being a colleague, he was a friend to many of us. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this trying time.
