James H. Roberts

James H. “Uncle Jimmy” Roberts died Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, at Valley View Nursing Home in Goshen after a short illness, following a nine-year struggle with Myasthenia Gravis.

Born March 4, 1928, in Salem County, N.J., he was the son of Howard A. Roberts and Bertha Robart Roberts.

He attended high school in Penns Grove, N.J., then entered St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland, and was ordained a priest in 1955. He served in the Diocese of Boise, Idaho, until a series of health problems caused him to leave the priesthood in 1960.

Returning to South Jersey, he worked as a social worker for 20 years until recurrent health issues led to his early retirement in 1985.

In March 1986, he came to live in Highland Mills with his oldest niece, Margie Duane, her husband John and their seven children, where he spent the next 27 years.

Besides his parents, Uncle Jimmy was pre-deceased by his younger brother, Howard, in 1953, his oldest sister Bertha R. Spear in 2000 and sister Margaret McCain in 2006.

He also was predeceased by his nephews Michael Spear and Edward Spear and great nephew Ryan Goff, along with nephew-in-law and buddy, John Duane.

Although Uncle Jim never married, he is survived by his enormous, devoted family, including his niece, Margie, and her seven children; nephews John (Mary) Spear, Elmer Spear; Joseph (Kathy) Spear; Howard (Beth) Spear all of Orange County. Also his two nieces by marriage: Mrs. Nancy (Edward) Spear, and Mrs. Helene Spear Kroog (Michael) both in Blooming Grove. His other two nieces are Marie (Spear) Danna in Huffman, Texas, and Jeryl (McCain) Goff in Pennsville, N.J.

Adding to Uncle Jimmy’s rich full life were 53 great nieces and nephews and innumerable great-great nieces and nephews, many in the area who visited him often. Among his many friends, he especially appreciated Fr. Travers of St. Patrick’s Church and Dr. Francis Imbarrato.

As a family we can honestly say that “Uncle Jimmy loved everyone he met and they all loved him in return.”

Visitation will be held Friday, Nov. 16, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at David T. Ferguson Funeral Home, 20 North St., Washingtonville.

A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, Nov. 17, at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, Route 32, Highland Mills. Burial will be in Woodstown, N.J.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated in his memory to the building Fund for The Church of St. Patrick, to the Woodbury or Blooming Grove Volunteer Ambulance Corps, or the Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties.

Arrangements are under the care of Thomas A. Murray of David T. Ferguson Funeral Home. For more information, directions or to leave your condolences or a fond memory of Jimmy for the family, please visit www.davidtfergusonfh.com.