James Lambert Roberts

James Lambert Roberts (1918–2016) LT Colonel in USAFR, passed on Sunday, June 26, 2016 just 11 days shy of his 98th birthday. He was surrounded by family and friends. Jimmy Roberts was born in 1918 in Knoxville to Walter (Knoxville) and Francis Roberts (Hendersonville, KY). A descendent of one of the first families in Tennessee, he graduated in 1940 from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he met his wife of 42 years, Dorothy Jackson of Dyer, TN. He is survived by his children Dianne Durand of St. Simons Island GA; Scott Roberts of Knoxville; and Judith Reynolds of Franklin, TN; as well as 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. As a WWII veteran of the US Air Force, he flew in military campaigns in North Africa, the invasion of Sicily, and the Allied Invasion at Normandy on D-Day. After the war, Jimmy resided at his Knoxville home for six decades. He partnered with Frank Pittenger and Richard Sansom in ownership and management of the Ready Mix Concrete business. He owned and managed Black Oak apartments after retiring from the concrete business. Jimmy was a current member of the Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church and has participated in various ministries bringing fellowship and the Gospel to people in Knoxville area his whole life. Jimmy Roberts’ spirit and good-natured personality was enjoyed by everyone around him. Predeceased in death by his older siblings Walter Roberts and Judith Roberts Stokes; his first wife Dorothy Jackson Roberts; second wife Mary Jane Roberts; his son John Jackson Roberts. Survived by Dianne Roberts Durand, Scott Roberts, wife Susan, and Judith Roberts Reynolds, husband Forrest; grandchildren Peter Durand, Amanda Durand Fortune, Pamela Piper, Gretchen Clark, Rachel Ernst, Forrest Reynolds, James Reynolds, William Reynolds, Madison Reynolds, Sarah Roberts, and Zachary Roberts; 10 great grandchildren. A special thanks to his longtime friend and care giver Linda Wilson. Family will be receiving friends at Rose Mortuary in the Mann Heritage Chapel from 4:00 – 6:00 pm on Thursday, June 30th with a service in the chapel following the visitation. The interment is scheduled for 9:00 am on Friday, July 1st at Old Gray Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.rosemortuary.com

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James Lambert Roberts

July 7, 1918 - June 26, 2016