James "Jim" Russell Roberts Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Georgiana (Jewell) Roberts of Pickerington; daughters Melissa (Joe) Taylor of Baltimore; Laura (Brian) Bednarski of Granville; son Matthew Roberts of Reynoldsburg; stepdaughter Jamie Schmittauer of Groveport; grandchildren Logan (Maygan) Taylor of Somerset, Adam Taylor of Johnstown, Avery Bednarski (Chase Honeycutt) of New Albany and Sydney Bednarksi of Waialua, Hawaii; great-grandchildren Marin Taylor of Somerset; and Bennett Taylor of Johnstown; sisters Janie (Tom) Starner of Frazeysburg; Connie Pickett of Warsaw, Ohio; Bonnie (Tim) Billman of Frazeysburg; brother George (Debbie) Roberts of Frazeysburg; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Jim was born in Coshocton, Ohio to the late James Russell Roberts, Sr. and Donna Jean (Henry) Roberts. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother-in-law Jack Pickett of Warsaw, Ohio. Jim was a graduate of River View High School in Warsaw, Ohio and Franklin University in Columbus. He retired after a lengthy career with Ross Laboratories, a division of Abbott Laboratories in Columbus, Ohio.

Jim was blessed with the gift of gab, and shared that gift freely with family, coworkers, neighbors, and really anyone he encountered. He was known for his quick wit and sense of humor, but also for his intellect, work ethic, and above all his kindness. Jim was happiest when he was serving others.

Jim was a lifelong lover of golf and planned nearly 30 years of The Great Golf Getaway where he and his friends played some of the nation’s greatest courses. He traveled extensively for business and pleasure; his career often took him around the world, but some of his most treasured trips were with his wife to France, Italy, and most frequently Kiawah Island, South Carolina.

“There are some who bring a light so great to the world, that even after they are gone, the light remains.” Although our worlds may feel a little darker without his presence, we have all been forever changed by the brightness of his light.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org