James Roberts

James T. Roberts, Jr., age 64, passed away peacefully at 0120 hours on Thursday, May 16, 2019, at UC San Diego Health Hospital in La Jolla, California.  Some of you may have referred to James as "JR".   

He was born September 23, 1954 in Macon, Georgia to James Thomas Roberts, Sr. and Alice Ruth Roberts, preceded in death.  He was eldest of eight siblings and could often be heard saying to others “I love my family so much”.  He attended Hunt Elementary School as a child, and Northeast High School as a teen in Macon, Georgia, where he also played  basketball. He continued his education at Fullerton College where he majored and received his degree in Engineering. He had many hobbies such as playing the drums and the guitar as a child. Later in life,  he was introduced to the game of chess and ultimately became a passionate, skillful and avid chess player.  James truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; chatting with friends and family, talking to his “baby girl” his daughter to make sure she had everything she needed. 

He was truly a wonderful human being who gave selflessly of his time, talents, and money to many worthy causes, but most notably he spread the good news of Jesus Christ to all who would listen.  He started a bible ministry where he sent daily biblical messages through text, he had a Christian following of over 100 people where he sent bible verses and scriptural interpretation. He was so committed to this ministry although he was sick, he sent his last message one day before admitting himself into the hospital.  

James worked at Coca Cola Company in his early twenties in Macon, GA, he moved to California at the age of 19 years old.  He worked as a broker, selling life and health insurance after moving to California for many years.  After an illness in 2010, he retired, and in 2015 began working part-time as a Customer Sales Associate at Walmart in Irvine, California.   He gave selflessly to others and was beloved by his family, friends, and was known as a wonderful "Man of God".  He had an uncanny way to reach people in a deep and positive way that we will truly miss.

James is survived by his daughter, Nayda Roberts; and his ex-wife Jermaine Roberts (lives in California).  Both of his parents, as well as a sister (Wanda Roberts) and a brother Mark Roberts, preceded him in death.  His brother Mark Roberts is survived by his wife Kimberly, and son Mark Roberts, Jr.  He will be dearly missed by his beloved family, which includes his siblings: Dinah Roberts, Debra Grimes (Roberts), Michael Roberts, Catherine Roberts (Pope), and Joseph (Sheila) Roberts and his Aunts: Lillie Mae Mosely, Doris Morris; Cousins: Emory (JoAlveta) Allen, Delisa Smith, Avis Morris Curry(deceased), Bobbie Jean O’Neal, Trent Harvey, Albert Jerrell, Audrey Wooten, Jackie Johnson, Cheryl “Lynn” Johnson, Tim Lott, Debra Lott, and Gloria Tate, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, friends and fellow Co-workers.

Family, friends, and others whose lives James touched are invited to his memorial service at Hazzard Baptist Church, on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at 9:45 A.M., 2470 Heath Rd., Macon, GA 31206.   Hutchings Funeral Home, will lay his ashes to rest at St. Rest Cemetery, 826 Eisenhower Pkwy, Macon, GA 31201, to reminisce, grieve, support each other, and of course, just chat.

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