Jim M. Roberts

James "Jim" Monroe Roberts, Jr., 94, of Oregon and St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2020.

Jim was born in Hemple, Missouri on November 1, 1925, the son of the late James Monroe and Cora Olive (Watson) Roberts, Sr. Jim attended school in Gower.

He was the husband of Thelma Ruth (Kunkel) Roberts of New Point, who preceded him in death in 2010. They were married October 23, 1949, and celebrated over 60 years of marriage.

Jim served in the 8th Air Force, 131 ^st Squadron, Army Airways Communications Wing, shipping out of NYC in convoy to England on Luxury Liner Argentina in early 1944. He recounted sleeping seven high in the liner ballroom and being entertained as much as others by depth charge explosions.

He served in Europe until April 1946, returning home to railway and electrical work prior to a lifetime of farming in the New Point area. He also worked part time for a period with the ASCS office in Mound City, allowing him to make acquaintances throughout Holt County.

Jim was an active member of the Presbyterian churches in New Point, Oregon and St Joseph. He also drew inspiration and fellowship from his involvement in the lodges of Freemasonry, York Rite, Scottish Rite, and Red Cross of Constantine.  He was most proud of his 50-year pin from Oregon Lodge #139 and political leaning as an ardent Democrat with many Republican friends.

He and wife Thelma enjoyed many sunshine winters in Estero, Florida, which he vowed to return until his last days, if he could only get there. Dancing provided pure joy for both of them. Most of all, Jim loved animals of all types and was energized in his later years by cats, dogs and miniature donkeys. He rarely hunted anything but mushrooms (which he’d kill for) but had affection for firearms and a clear hilltop sunset.

Jim is survived by three children, Gary Roberts and wife Kim of St. Joseph, Janet Book and husband Dave of Oregon, and Ken Roberts and wife Donna of Arlington, Virginia; and three grandchildren, Alice Roberts, Jane Roberts, and Caleb Book.

He was preceded in death by two infant brothers; his parents; cousins; and grandson, Alex Book.

Funeral services: Saturday, January 11, 2020, 2:00 pm, Chamberlain Funeral Home, Oregon, Missouri. Family will greet friends one hour prior to services. Interment: Monday, January 13, 2020, 11:00 am, Cowan Cemetery, where Jim will rest in peace with community friends and relatives.

Cards and condolences may be sent to Janet Book, PO Box 245, Oregon, MO 64473. Memorials may be sent to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 4400 Clayton Ave., St Louis, Missouri 63110