James Earl Roberts was born on March 17, 1949 to Keith Samuel Roberts and Fannie Marie Gates- Roberts in Garrison, TX.

James had a happy childhood, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was taught about Jesus Christ at an early age and accepted Him as his Lord and Savior while still a young man. He attended Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Garrison, TX which he still visited until death. James graduated from Garrison High School in 1967. Upon graduation he moved to Dallas, TX to later enter into the United States Army. While in the army he served in the Vietnam War. After serving his country, James returned home to Dallas, TX.

In 1972 he married his lovely bride, Barbara Thomas on June 2nd. To this union three children, Zeronda, Keisha, and Jamar.

After his union to Barbara Roberts, he started his own construction business, Roberts Construction. James was a highly recommended carpenter and worked on many residential and commercial projects throughout the DFW area. He taught and employed many young men the skill of carpentry, but three remained faithful and dedicated, Micheal W. Davis (nephew), Craig McKissick (friend), and Jamar Roberts (son).

James joined the mason's in the 1980' s and served for 32 years. He became a Master Mason in 1986, Tyler of King Solomon Lodge #514, Master of Ceremonies of Initiation Team of all Degrees, Potentate, Mecca Temple 98, District Manager for District 9 and 10, Building Chairman of the Dallas Masonic Temple, Grand Secretary of the Grand Council Ancient Arabic Order Noble Mystic Shrine, Member of the Registration Team of the Imperial Grand Council A.A.O.N.M.S., and Assistant Grand Secretary of the Holy Empire of the Ancient & Accept Scottish Rite Masons of the Thirty Third $ Last Degree of Free Masonry. He did what had to be done in the absence of others.

James was preceded in death by his loving father and mother, Keith Samuel and Fanny Marie Roberts, his younger brother Daniel L. Roberts. To celebrate and cherish his legacy he leaves his faithful and dedicated wife, Barbara Jo Roberts, his son, Jamar K. Roberts, his daughters, Zeronda Thomas, Keisha R. Armstrong(Sidney). He leaves eight grandchildren, Lazandrea Dixon, D'Vaughnta Thomas, Jamar Roberts Jr., Bernard Hanyard III, Rivers Heard, Jalen Roberts, Averi Heard, and Jewelyn Roberts. He leaves ten great grandchildren, Ya'Jaira Thomas, Raylynn Galvin, Z'niyia Dixon, Nevaeh Woods, Iyland Woods, Aston Walters II, Zaundriya Massey, Semaj Thomas, D'Vaughnta Thomas Jr., and Serria Jones. He leaves his brother, Willie Ray Roberts, three sisters, Betty Francis Davis (Bonner), Genette McLemore(Freddy), Neasie R. Roberts. He leaves to cherish his memories with aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends whom he loved dearly.

James Roberts was a man of character, a man of integrity, a hard worker, a Christian, and a dedicated family man. He served his country and his community well.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." - II Timothy 4:7-8