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James Howard Roberts

1931 - 2019

James Howard Roberts obituary, 1931-2019, Anchorage, AK

BORN

1931

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

Kehl's Legacy Funeral Home - Anchorage

11621 Old Seward Highway

Anchorage, Alaska

James Roberts Obituary

James Howard Roberts, 87, passed away peacefully on Feb. 6, 2019, in the company of his loving family. His passing was eased by the compassionate care of Alaska Regional Hospital. James will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, church going man, neighbor and master gardener.
James was born on Dec. 1, 1931, to Georgia and Harold Roberts at the family farmhouse in Terry Township, Bradford County, Pa.; he was the eldest of eight children. His father passed while training in Great Lakes, Ill., for the U.S. Navy. James was 12 and became the man of the farm.
He graduated from Wyalusing High School in 1950, and joined the U.S. Army. He completed his communication training in Northern Virginia. He requested to transfer to Alaska, a lifelong dream, inspired by reading the works of Jack London. James's first duty station was Anchorage, Alaska, at Government Hill in the communications department. He later was transferred to Cordova, Alaska, where he served for three years. In 1962, the Army wanted to transfer him to New Mexico, he declined the assignment. So, after 12 years in the Army he was honorably discharged.
He immediately went to work in the canneries and through Don Everly was offered a position with Pacific Northern Airlines in November 1962. This would later become Western Airlines in 1967. In December 1968, Western Airlines transferred James to Anchorage. He went to Europe, and to finish off his trip, he flew to Honolulu, Hawaii, and met his bride to be Kathy - Kathleen Ravlin - in October 1969. They were married in August 1970, and Kathy moved to Anchorage. In 1987, Western Airlines was merged with Delta Airlines and James stayed on until 1993, when he retired.
James loved working with plants and began working for Bells Nursery soon after retirement. James enjoyed reading and gardening, and was an active member of Jewel Lake Parish. His home garden was a point of pride and he enjoyed growing food for his family and friends. James and Kathy performed as Mr. and Mrs. Claus for many years, bringing joy to others.
Preceded in death were his parents, Georgia (Huffman) and Harold Roberts; brothers, Ralph, Keith and Junior; and sister, Florence of Wyalusing, Pa. James is survived by his wife, Kathy Roberts of Anchorage; children, James Jr. of Fremont, Calif., and Scott and Megan of Anchorage; grandchildren, Misty of Washington, TimAyn Stafford (James) of Katy, Texas, Arissa Pearson (Josh) of Cordova, Alaska, and Kris and Bradley of Anchorage. James had 12 great-grandchildren. Surviving siblings are Virginia Carter and Larry Roberts of Wyalusing, Pa., and Linda James of Buffalo, N.Y.
A Celebration of Life will be held for James from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. at St. Johns United Methodist Church on Feb. 23, 2019, at 1801 O'Malley Road in Anchorage. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Jewel Lake Parish, 3833 Strawberry Road, Anchorage, AK 99502.

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

Published by Anchorage Daily News on Feb. 14, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
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Virginia Lois Roberts Carter

February 9, 2020

He is dearly missed. I miss talking to him very much.

Julie & Bob Waites

February 17, 2019

We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of James Roberts. We first met him and his lovely wife Kathy through AGS. Jim always greeted us with a warm smile, handshake and hug. We will miss him dearly and keep him alive in our hearts. Rest in peace and we shall meet again someday.

MARIE MCQUEEN

February 16, 2019

Dear Cathy, family, and loved ones of Jim may you be surrounded by God's love in your loss. Jim was always very warm and welcoming when I attended Jewel Lake Parish. I will miss him.

Nancy Ferko

February 15, 2019

I have known Jim and Kathy for many years through AGS the Anchorage Genealogical Society where Jim wrote the Newsletter for years and Kathy was the President. Jim will be missed by all of us. Thank you for all your knowledge and being a friend! Nancy

Garry Hormann Jr

February 14, 2019

Jim has been like a second Dad for me for a long time, throughout the years I've kept in contact with them.
He's known me since I was about 3! (Which gave us a history)
You were such an awesome man/dad, you will be greatly missed by ANYBODY that ever got the chance to meet you.
I will ALWAYS be yours and mom's Deprived Child, you will sorely be missed by me and my family.

My Dads dog would sneak aboard the flight at Yakutat and Jim would return him on the next flight from Cordova

Norm Israelson

February 14, 2019

Jim and I shared many years in PNA and Western. He was also a faithful follower on mine on my Old Norm Stories. A great friend and will be sorely missed.

Virginia Carter

February 13, 2019

Love and miss you!

February 9, 2019

May the God of all comfort sustain your family during the days ahead. (Psalms 119:76)

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Kehl's Legacy Funeral Home - Anchorage

11621 Old Seward Highway, Anchorage, AK 99515

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