Apr 21, 2023

James Schroeder Roberts, 64, a resident of Rolling Meadows Nursing Home and formerly of Blacksville W.Va., Pine Bank and Carmichaels, has gone to be with our Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 20, 2023.

He was born on March 14, 1959, in Blacksville, W.Va., a son of the late James Lloyd “Newt” and Julia Phillips Roberts. Growing up, he became a member of the Blacksville Baptist Church.

James, also known as “Schroeder” to many, graduated from Clay-Battelle High School where he was selected to participate in the United Nations Pilgrimage for Youth and also chosen to represent the school in the Know Your State Government Day program.

Jim had an idyllic childhood growing up next to his mom’s beauty shop in Blacksville, W.Va. and spending time with his many cousins and childhood friend, Gerald Calvert, fishing, riding mini bikes, camping, guitar playing and the Robert’s family ritual of hand-cranking homemade ice cream.

He loved the New York Yankees and the Three Stooges.

Jim worked in photography in Florida after graduating high school, and upon returning to Greene County, decided to enroll at Waynesburg University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History. He was a member of Kappa Delta Pi and in the scholastic honorary, Xi Psi Epsilon. Jim loved American history and was particularly fascinated by the events of the civil war as well as present day politics.

He served as a substitute teacher for many years in the Waynesburg Central School System. Jim later worked as a custodian at the elementary school.

As a result of health issues, Jim resided at Rolling Meadows Nursing home for the past 14 years. He enjoyed joking with the staff, many of whom he regarded as family and always remembered their names or gave them a nickname as he ventured around the facility.

Jim liked to attend the car show, ice cream social, Christmas cookie decorating, music performances, bingo, Halloween with the kids and the many visiting school students. He had wonderful care from all the departments and he felt blessed to be in a safe and caring environment.

Surviving is his brother, John Walter Phillips of Seattle, Wash.; and a host of cousins, aunts and uncles. He also leaves behind a cousin, Mary (Roberts) Thompson, who loved and cared for him and his family for many years.

He was a kind and thoughtful soul and will be sadly missed yet remembered by the many lives he touched.

Our family would like to thank ViaQuest Hospice of Monongahela, and the loving care and attention he received from Loretta Smith and Taylor.

Family and friends are welcome from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday in the Yoskovich Funeral Home, 724-966-5500, Martin J. Yoskovich, Funeral Director, 300 South Vine Street, Carmichaels. The funeral service will follow the visitation at 6 p.m. on Sunday, in the funeral home, with the Reverend Cathie A. Carpenter officiating. There will be a brief graveside ceremony on at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 24, 2023, at the Pine Bank Cemetery in Holbrook.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his honor are suggested to the Greene County Historical Society, 918 Rolling Meadows Road, Waynesburg PA 15370.

For additional information and to sign the online guest book, please visit YoskovichFH.com.