Jay R. Roberts Jr., Esq., Retired Lieutenant, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, 46, of Las Vegas, lost his nine-year battle with cancer on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at 4:12 pm surrounded by family and friends. He was born on September 19, 1972 to Barbara and Jay Roberts in Las Vegas, NV.
Although the sadness is overwhelming, we keep thinking of all the joy, pride and happiness he brought us. He packed as much life as he could into his short time on this Earth. He could best be described as “larger than life.” He was always full of energy and ideas, and had a never-ending zest for life. He had a quick wit and a fun-loving nature, and one of his greatest traits was his ability to make everyone laugh. He touched and influenced more lives than he ever knew.
He was an adventurous little boy who got involved in everything. As a young man, he was always an excellent athlete who lettered in football and wrestling at Western High School. From the time he was a teenager, Jay had a passion for old cars. His first rebuild was a 1948 Mercury Coupe with his Dad, then several old Ford Coupes, a 1955 Chevrolet Hard Top, and his last project was a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle. His oldest son, Brandon, shares that interest and they worked on several projects together.
He was a lifelong learner and most importantly, a teacher and mentor. He graduated from UNLV with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. In 2007, while still working for LVMPD, he attended and graduated from the UNLV Sam Boyd School of Law with a Juris Doctorate. It was there he met his wife and best friend, Tara. They shared a love and closeness that few people ever have the privilege to know.
Jay’s was a life of service and hard work. He served his country as a U.S. Army Military Policeman during Operation Noble Eagle. He served his state as an Army National Guardsman. He served his community as a LVMPD Officer for twenty years, from which he retired as a Lieutenant in 2015. After retiring, Jay and Tara worked together as legal counsel for the Las Vegas Police Managers and Supervisors Association, where he worked until he passed away. Even through his illness, he worked tirelessly to fight on behalf of the men and women of the PMSA.
He was a beloved husband, father, brother, son and friend. He gave 110% to each role in his life, and especially to his children whom he loved more than life itself. He was the ultimate family man, and his greatest joy in life was spending time with, playing with, and guiding his children. He was and will always be his family’s hero.
He is survived by his wife, Tara; his children Kailee, Brandon, Brooke, Evan and Morgan; his parents, Jay Sr. and Barbara; and his brother, Kyle.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 21, 2018 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Palm Northwest, 6701 N. Jones Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89131. Services will be held on Monday, October 22, 2018 at 10:00 am at the same location where he will be honored by the LVMPD Honor Guard. He will be laid to rest with full military honors at a private family ceremony at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Injured Police Officers Fund (www.ipof.vegas).
