James C. Roberts

Native to Jacksonville, Jim loved baseball and was a pitcher in high school for the Andrew Jackson Tigers. He went on to pitch for the Florida Gators, nicknamed Fireball Roberts, where he graduated with a Master’s in Education. He served our country as a Major in the U.S. Army and dedicated 41 years to the Duval County Public Schools as a teacher, administrator and well-respected leader. Most notably, he was a proud Saint at Sandalwood Jr. Sr. High School where he served as principal 1972-1983.

Jim was the beloved son of the late Frank and Katie Roberts and survived by his adored wife of 66 years, Patsy, children James, Jr. (Valerie), Michael and Nancy (Chris), grandchildren Cassie (Brian), James, III and Tiffany (Mitchell), and three great-grandchildren.

He will forever be remembered for his love for family, educators and students, and the Florida Gators. His hobbies were college sports, model trains, various collections and photographing memories. He enjoyed traveling, visiting every baseball park in the country and cherished his second home in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The family will receive friends Friday, August 9th, 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 at Terry Parker Baptist Church, 7024 Merrill Rd, Jacksonville, Fla 32277. Service will follow 9:30 – 10:30 and interment at 11:30, Jacksonville National Cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of Jim may be made to Terry Parker Baptist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org/nca/donate.