James Blackman Roberts

James Blackman Roberts
April 20, 1938 - October 14, 2025

James Blackman Roberts, affectionately known to friends and family as Jim or Jimmy, passed away peacefully at Woodlake Legacy in Lakewood, Colorado on October 14, 2025.

He was born on April 20, 1938, in Millersville, Missouri, to Maple Byrd Roberts and Thomza Mae Roberts (Proffer). Jim grew up with his brother, Michael Miller Roberts, on family farms where he developed a lifelong work ethic and love of the land.

He graduated from Central High School of Cape Girardeau in 1955 and attended the Missouri School of Mines at Rolla, earning his degree in Civil Engineering.

A proud American, Jim also served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves in Panama and Germany.

In 1962, Jim accepted a position in Alaska with the U.S. Forestry Service, beginning a lifelong spirit of adventure. He later joined the Alaska Pipeline effort as a Project Engineer out of Valdez and eventually founded Roberts Engineering in Anchorage.

He also shared his expertise teaching engineering courses at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

In 1986, Jim's adventurous spirit called him to Costa Rica, where he established an engineering and construction business and became an integral part of the country's booming development in San José and Tamarindo. He also served through mission work—supporting Nicaraguan refugees and Christian Bible camps through charitable building projects.

In 2003, Jim returned to the United States to retire, eventually settling in Austin, Arkansas where he enjoyed his large garden, his chickens, breakfast at Cheryl's Diner, and serving at the local food bank.

In 2024, he was diagnosed with cancer and relocated to Lakewood, Colorado, where he spent his final year under the loving care of his youngest daughter and her family.

Jim is survived by his eight children:
Rebecca Lynn Martin (Wasilla, AK), Bernice Anne Kindred (Eagle River, AK), Timothy Byrd Roberts (South Korea), Sarah Sue Hunt (St. Helens, OR), Rhoda Kay Blum (Redlands, CA), Rachel Lee Dibble (Portland, OR), Joel James Roberts (Broomfield, CO), and Jael Janine Williams (Lakewood, CO).

He is also survived by 19 precious grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren, and 4 stepchildren: Alex and Lesli Ulate, Daniel and David Roberts.

Throughout his life, he found great joy in sailing, flying, diving, skiing, gardening, serving, and exploring the world.

Jim lived life to its fullest - building not only buildings and communities that stood strong, but a lifetime of memories, adventures and a beautiful family that endure beyond his years.

A celebration of life and burial will be held in Jackson, Missouri, at Ford & Sons Funeral Home. His final resting place will be at Russell Heights Cemetery with his grandparents, parents, brothers - and generations of Roberts and Proffers who settled the area as farmers in the early 1700s.

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