James William Roberts, Jr., 91, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Saturday, November 20, 2010 at Putnam Community Medical Center following an extended illness. He was born on Wednesday, March 19, 1919 in Rodman, (Putnam County) Florida to James W. and Mable (Alderman) Roberts, Sr. He was a graduate of Central Academy High School, class of 1938 and furthered studied Business at Florida Normal & Industrial Institute. He was a faithful and most senior member of Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, serving as a longtime Church School Superintendent and Trustee Chairman; subsequently honored as lifetime Trustee Emeritus. He served emphatically in numerous degrees in the Masonic Order, up to and including Worshipful Master of Beauty Lodge #35 F. & AM, District Deputy Grand Master of District 16 of the most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of the State of Florida, Central America Jurisdiction. He also served our nation honorably in the U.S. Army during World War II in the South Pacific. He was first united in marriage to the former Arnell Purcell (Fells) and later to the former Margaret H. Burke.

Brother James W. Roberts, Jr., as he was affectionately known, was preceded in eternal rest by his father, James W. Roberts, Sr., mother, Mable Roberts Lynch; wife, Margaret Burke Roberts; sister, Gloria Roberts; step-son, Grady Samuel Smith, Jr., brother-in-law, Lucius Mitchelle, sister-in-law Thelma Burke T.B. Williams.

He leaves to cherish his memories most: son, Thomas J. (Marva) Roberts, Denver, CO; daughter, Paula R. (Charles) Goodrum, Palatka; sister, Merceda R. Mitchelle, Denver; grandchildren, Trent Roberts, Stephanie Roberts, Renee Roberts, Arella (Mark) Moore, Charles Goodrum, Christopher Goodrum, Terrance Smith, Deidra Smith; and a host of great-grandchildren, other loving relatives and caring friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be 5-8 p.m. Friday (today) at the Chapel of Serenity. Celebration of Life Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, November 27, Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka. Reverend Karl N. Flagg is the eulogist and the Reverend Dr. George E. McRae, Sr., of Miami, presiding. The cortege will assemble at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the familys home, 1607 Napoleon Street, Palatka.

Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery.