James M. Roche, a retired General Motors chairman and chief executive officer who was known for his integrity and compassion, died Sunday at his Belleair, Fla., home. He was 97.

Roche was chairman and CEO from 1967 to 1971, when he retired after 44 years of service to the automaker. He remained an active member of the GM board of directors and its Finance Committee through May 1977.

Services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Cecilia Church in Clearwater, Fla. Private burial will follow in his hometown of Elgin, Ill.

GM announced Roche's passing today on their website.