James N. “Jim” Roberts Obituary (1929 - 2011)

Born Aug 23, 1929, James N. “Jim” Roberts attended Charlevoix High School in Charlevoix, MI. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about James N. “jim” Roberts.

Graduation Year	Class of 1947
Date of Birth	Aug 23, 1929
Date of Passing	Apr 11, 2011
About	James N. “Jim” Roberts, a resident of Mercer Township, Butler County (Harrisville), passed away at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, 2011, at home. He was 81. The fifth of eight children, Jim was born in Lake City, Mich., on Aug. 23, 1929, to Carlyle and Bertha Roberts. When Jim was 11, his family moved to a farm in Charlevoix, Mich. He later graduated from Charlevoix High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University in 1951. Following graduation, Jim served in the U.S. Army of Occupation in Germany for two years. Jim pursued a career in education as a teacher in Battle Creek, Mich., and as a principal in Mount Pleasant, Mich. He continued to move forward in his career, earning a master’s degree followed by a doctorate from Wayne State University, Detroit. Dr. Roberts served as academic dean at the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Ark., from 1962 to 1966. He spent 27 years at Slippery Rock University as vice president of academic affairs, interim president and professor of mathematics and student teaching. He retired in 1993. His family says: “Jim will be missed beyond measure by those who love him. His courage, integrity and compassion set a life gold standard. The list of lives he loved and aided is endless. He loved his farm and took great pride in his garden, which he shared with many. The world is a better place for the presence he had in it.” Surviving are his wife, Ila Roberts, whom he married in 1953; two daughters, Attorney Michele Roberts, Milwaukee, Wis.; and Dr. Kimberley Roberts and husband Ron Buikema, Silver Springs, Md.; two brothers, Jack Roberts, Charlevoix; and Carl Roberts and wife Martha, Northport, Mich.; and three sisters, Mary Schrandt and husband Jim, Lansing, Mich.; Arlyle Kohler, Detroit; and Joan Joliffe and husband Fred, Charlevoix. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Marjorie and Phyllis. A memorial service is at 3 p.m. Sunday (4-17-11) in Center United Presbyterian Church, 211 Center St., Slippery Rock, with the Rev. William Mumaw, pastor, officiating. Arrangements by Cunningham Funeral Home Inc., 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: University of the Ozarks, Advancement Office Ð on the memo line, print “James Roberts Scholarship” Ð and sent to University of the Ozarks, Advancement Office, 415 North College, Clarksville, AK 72830.