James Roberts Obituary

POSSUM KINGDOM LAKE, Texas -- James (Jim) Roberts, 69, formerly of Sussex County, passed away Friday, Nov. 27, 2009, at Possum Kingdom Lake.

Jim was born on May 26, 1940, in Gilliam, W. Va., to the late James Earl and Virdie Marie (McCann) Roberts. He married Linda Waggoner on April 30, 2004, in Graham. Jim was a veteran of the United States Army where was an armor officer and Army aviator, with the distinction of obtaining the position of honor graduate at Fort Rucker, Ala. He was an airline transport pilot for 34 years for American Airlines and an airframe and power plant mechanic with inspector authorization. Jim was a member of the International Aerobatic Club, and an Aerobatic Competency Examiner (ACE), a member of the United States Aerobatic Team 1981 and 1982, a member of the American Modelers Association and prolific builder and judge of radio-controlled model airplanes. Jim built and flew several aerobatic aircraft in his lifetime, including the Laser 200 on display in the Smithsonian Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum. He also starred in a television commercial for American Airlines and was a performer in airshows in North America for over 20 years.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Roberts, at home; his sons, Mike Roberts and his wife, Stacey, of Bentonville, Ark., and Joshua Callahan and his wife, Jackie, of Dallas, Texas; his step-sons, Jacob Waggoner and his wife, Morgan, of Gunter, Texas, and Alex Waggoner of Fort Worth, Texas; a sister, Erlene Irwin of Evergreen, Colo.; and 10 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, James E. Roberts, and three brothers, Harry, Jack and John Roberts.

Funeral services were held at the First Baptist Church in Graham, Texas. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The New Jersey Herald on Dec. 2, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for James Roberts

8 Entries

Robert Hantson

April 10, 2024

Late to the memory page, but I have to say Jim was an incredible person and pilot. As a kid back at Sussex Airport where I would hang out and pester all of the instructors (including Jim) for rides, he would always take time out and teach me everything he could. Even take me up for flights now and then.

I was floored one day at the Flight Museum in Dallas when both his Long EZ and Lazer 2000 were on display. I stopped and my jaw hit the floor when I saw them and I gave my 12 year old son at the time a completely history of what I knew about the two planes, Jim, and his aerobatics partner Leo Laudenslager. I bet you I could easilly walk you through their typical opening sequence for the Air Show every year... Oh how I miss them both and watching the two of them fly together!

NANCY DALAND

February 22, 2010

IT IS WITH DEEP REGRET I LEARNED OF JIM'S PASSING. I KNEW JIM FROM SUSSEX AIRPORT WHERE I TOOK FLYING LESSONS AND WORKED FOR PAUL STYGER. MAY JIM'S FAMILY TAKE COMFORT KNOWING JIM WAS WELL LOVED BY MANY.

Every Aviators Dream

Mark Hromnak

February 21, 2010

I met Jim in 1979 at Sussex airport when I was learning to fly and he was practicing for the 1980 World Aerobatic Competition in Oshkosh Wisconsin. It was the start of a long friendship. It wasn't long before he asked me if I would like to help him build the Long Ez. I spent two years in his two car garage in Lake Hopatcong working with him on the Long Ez. After its completion. We flew the Laser 200 and Long Ez around the country from Airshow to Airshow. They were some of the best times of my life. We kept in touch over the years sending Christmas cards with pictures of our families as they have grown. I loved Jim like a brother and I am deeply saddened to know that he is not with us any more. Our sympathy to Jim's entire family.

Tom Vealey

December 6, 2009

My greatest condolences. Jim was very much loved around Sussex, and the airport community. Yes....as David Rome stated.....he is flying high with Leo once again. They were both very dear to my heart and I loved both. Jim, maybe one day I will see you, and Leo, again. This is a sad day for me.

Roger Huffaker

December 4, 2009

I only knew Jim thru my visits with him at the Possum Kingdom Airport. In 2007 I had a hangar built at PK Airport - directly across from Jim's hangar. He was always such a pleasure to talk to and could answer any question you could come up with about flying. He was a great pilot, good man and will be missed by everyone that ever knew him.

Pete Wicinski

December 3, 2009

Can't believe "Gentleman Jim" is gone. We used to compete for the use of the Practice Area up at Pine Island when I was instructing for Paul Styger in the early 80s.
May he rest in peace.

David Rome

December 2, 2009

Now flying high again with Leo, Jim will be missed dearly by all his old friends here in NJ and all of his friends and family in Texas. Just like the picture posted I will always remember that smile that always spread from ear to ear. You were one of my childhood hero's and I want to give my sympathy to all your family my friend. God Bless You.

Jodie Chaudoin

December 2, 2009

Jim was a good friend of everyone up at Sussex Airport and was missed when he moved Texas.
We always looked forward to Air-show time and his return,

My sympathy to the family

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results