Lafayette ‘all-around good American’

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James Lafayette was a large figure in Whitehall and tragically passed on Aug. 28 at his home with his loving family by his side. Lafayette’s wake, funeral and reception brought the Whitehall community out to pay respecs to him for not only being a great guy, but also serving his country.

“He always reminded me of how he has a picture of that day of him and her against my father’s pick-up truck,” Brian Brooks Sr. reflected about meeting Lafayette the first time with his wife.

Brooks Sr. remembers Lafayette as a person who would always lend a hand when it was needed. He also reflected on how much Lafayette gave to his community.

“He was an all-around good American,” he said. “He was always concerned about veterans and honoring veterans. Memorial Day was his thing, and he did a lot of work. He could always count on the fire department. Had the house cleaned and made sure it was perfect for when he needed it.”

Whitehall town supervisor John Rozell remembered the time Lafayette spent working with his grandfather on Whitehall’s railroad.

“I knew Jim most my life. My grandfather used to work on the railroad with him during his 54 years there. We went through school and I didn’t know him well then, but in the 80s he delivered milk to his doorstep and talked about my grandfather and their work together,” he said.

Someone who walked a lot in Lafayette’s shadow, watching him through the years, was American Legion Post 83 Commander Mike Rocque. Over the past 20 or so years, Rocque and Lafayette established a special bond and relationship.

“I had to sit by his bed as he was dying, writing down funeral stuff so I helped him plan the funeral while he was still alive,” he said.

Attendance at the funeral was astounding to Rocque. With Lafayette being a part of both the U.S. Navy, Navy Reserves, and New York Army National Guard, there was a large military turnout.

“We had him, the family, Honor Guards, Legion-goers from all over the county, Marines, sailors, the Patriot Guard which is a veteran guard that goes on bikes and carries flags, and we did full military honors,” he said.

Rocque recalled Lafayette’s military history while also reflecting on his own.

“I knew him since I was a little boy because everyone knew Jimmy, and he was really proud of me when I decided to go into the military after I got out of college in 1980,” Rocque said. “He was at that time transitioning from active duty in the Navy to the Navy Reserve and then he went to the National Guard.”

Lafayette was a communicant of our Lady of Hope Roman Catholic Church and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as the Grand Knight for Whitehall Council 276 and Faithful Navigator of Ticonderoga Assembly 756. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, serving in several key positions, including Whitehall Post 83 Commander, Washington County Commander, lead instructor at the NYS American Legion College and longtime director of the Post 83 Toys for Tots Annual Christmas Operation. Lafayette was a member of the Whitehall Rifle Club, serving as treasurer and secretary. He served as Justice of the Peace and was a member of Whitehall Elks Lodge BPOE #1491.

Rocque was heavily impacted by Lafayette and over the past couple of years had started helping Lafayette with the planning of events he would plan himself. Of course, Rocque would always hear from Lafayette if something was out of place, but Rocque said he was thankful for the critiques. However, if Lafayette ever requested the presence of Rocque, it was always a yes.

“I got a call from Jimmy in 1997, I retired in 2000 so I was still active as lieutenant colonel and Jimmy said, ‘We need you to come up and be the Grand Marshal for the parade.’ Last night in his eulogy I made the comment that Jimmy would give you guidance, recommendations, and he would give you requests. So, a Jimmy Lafayette request was more a directive. So, he requested I come and I said, ‘Yes, first sergeant.’”