James Lee Roberts

James Lee Roberts, 81, of Sanger, began his walk on the streets of gold with his Lord and Savior on December 21, 2020.  Born on January 20, 1939, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Jim was the son of Tom and Elsie Owens.

Upon graduation from Tulsa Central High School, Jim worked in the Oklahoma/Kansas/Nebraska oilfields until his enlistment in the U.S. Marine Corps in February, 1960.  He served his country proudly for 12 years which included three tours in Viet Nam as a pilot of A-4s and F-4s. He earned his college degree from the University of Tulsa and was employed by The Oilgear Company as a hydraulic-pneumatic engineer at the time of his retirement in 2010.

Jim married the love of his life, Katherine Griffith McNickle, on July 15, 1989 in Denton, Texas, and they made their home in Sanger, where they were members of the First Baptist Church.  Jim was also a member of the Sanger Lions Club and the All-the-Way Gang Motorcycle Group which raised money for cancer research through the annual Route 66 Ride for the Relay event.

Jim was an incredible athlete and was always full of adventure.  He did it all from racing Corvettes to flying planes and riding motorcycles.  He had a beautiful gift of making everyone in his life feel extra special, and his love for others was genuine. 

Cherishing his memory are his wife, Kathy of Sanger; two daughters, Jennifer Roberts Allen and husband Wesley of Raleigh, N.C., and Angela Johnson of Sanger; two sons, Jared Roberts and wife Sarah of Denton and David McNickle of Plano.  Seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter also survive him.

Visitation is scheduled from 6 pm to 8 pm on Monday, January 4, 2021, at Coker Funeral Home in Sanger.  Funeral services are at 10:30 am on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at the First Baptist Church in Sanger.  Pastor Grant Bowles and former pastor “Skip” McNeal will officiate. Serving as pallbearers are Jim’s grandchildren Colton Allen, Chad Johnson, Cooper Allen, Hannah Johnson, Alexander Roberts, Collin Allen, and Brandon Roberts.  Serving as honorary pallbearers are the First Baptist Church Dillon Bible Class.  Internment for Jim will be in the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.