My condolences to the family.  Jimmy was my instructor at Local 208's apprenticeshipe. I owe a debt of gratitude to him and others like him. He dedicated his time to come down to the apprenticeship and teach. For that I am thankful. Rest in peace brother. 

I met Jim a few years ago when we were seated together at a crowded Diner.  We shared a meal together nearly every Wednesday since.

We visited about our work experiences, playing in bands as musicians, and hunting trips with his family.  There was much discussion about cars, the local action in the  neighborhoods, and what Channel Nine's weather girls outfits they wore the night before.  Two retired guys with service careers living alone, checking in once a week to confirm we were still alive and kicking.  Last week he didn't answer his phone.

I've a lot of respect for Jim.  First, his service in Vietnam.  He was the only Vet I've met near my age, and he was willing to share some of his experiences.  Second, the fact that he served as Shop Steward for his union local chapter for 20 years.  Also that Jim was a member of a cover band, playing guitar.  His favorite gig was playing dances at a nudist camp.  He was always mentioning new additions to his family and those who passed.  Another memory was his working on jeep transmissions in the snow.  Overall I did most the talking, Jim most the listening.

I'll miss calling Jim every Wednesday to confirm when we would meet for breakfast.  He'd ask how my dog was doing and how my concert band practice went.  He talked about activity in his neighborhood and a constant chore of picking up branches in the yard.

Two old friends sharing simple things.  Rest in Peace, James.

I managed a condo bldg for 20 yrs that Jimmy did maintenance for many many yrs.  We became friends and he would do anything to help you if he could beyond what he was paid to do. I left there in 2003  & have since moved to southern Colorado but kept in touch through my replacement. So sad to hear of his passing but hoping he's enjoying fishing in heaven. My deepest sympathy.

I don't know where to start. This guy loved to dance and so did I...that's how we all became friends. Jim (never called him Jimmy?) became our (Dano Goforth & I) best friend, furnace fixer, garden prepper, gear hauler, and rescuer.  And boat driver...and business supporter, dang...Jim gave me a wok because he loved my fried rice, Jim bought a Monte Carlo because I just loved them, although I doubt he would have bought a Chrysler if I said I liked them, and he planted an aspen tree in our front yard for my bEarthday.  

It will be hard not to exchange Christmas cards again.  Rest in Peace, my dear friend.

Debi Nelson (Goforth)

Jimmy was a mentor to me and someone very special to me. 
He helped me succeed in my career, he took his time over many years to help me become who I am today.   He dealt with a lot over his years, but always had a good spirit. He always made me smile….

Jimmy you will be missed. Your memory will always be in my heart…

I remember and always get a smile from this, over my 5 years as a apprentice, In the summers.  Jimmy would  call me just before class, he than would proceed to ask me what I was doing, already knowing I was in class.  He would tease me by saying, have fun in class, and than state he was having a slurpee and setting in his recliner staying cool and relaxing in air conditioning…     going to miss you!!!!! 

My thoughts and prayers to Jimmy’s family. He was an incredible coworker and friend. It was always good to see him at the AMS functions when he would show. Also was good to see him at the annual Pipefitters Picnic. Jimmy was my instructor as an apprentice and also my journeyman. I will not forget the things he taught me. He will be missed.

Cippy

Miss you Uncle Jimmy!! You were such a huge part of my life!! Thank you!! Rest in paradise!! 

Jim and I were best of friends. During the 70’s and 80’s we hung together all the time. As time passed we only talked on the phone once. We were planning to get together soon but never did.. I’m sure going to miss him. He had a boat and we went water skiing a lot. He hauled musical gear around in his pickup in the early years of a band I was in “Windfield”.


OBITUARY

Jimmy Roberts

July 24, 1951 – October 9, 2021

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Crown Hill

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