James E. Roberts Sr., 57, Salamonia, Ind., died April 30, 2009, at his residence due to cancer.

He was born Dec. 27, 1951, in Covington, Ky., to James E. Jr. and Betty Brown Roberts, who survive in Fort Recovery. On Dec. 4, 1976, he married Sherry Manor, who survives.

Also surviving are two sons, James E. (Jamie) Roberts III, Redkey, Ind., and Matthew T. (Lori) Roberts Sr., Portland, Ind.; three daughters, Latisa (John) Richard, Piqua, Sarina (Charles) Wendel and Miranda (Richard) Hummer, all of Salamonia, Ind.; a brother, Robert (Lori) Roberts, Portland; three sisters, Kathleen (John) Wolf, Fort Recovery, Rebecca (Charles) Wolf, Coldwater, Kristina (Aaron) Olsen, Celina; and 12 grandchildren.

A former employee of J&M Manufacturing in Fort Recovery, he also had worked as a supervisor at Union City Body Company for several year, at Ludwig's Supermarket in Portland and Tyson Mexican Original, Portland.

He graduated from Fort Recovery High School in 1970 and graduated from Ball State University in 2000 with a degree in special education. He was employed since 1998 with Jay School Corporation. He worked with a number of schools, most recently Westlawn Elementary School in Dunkirk.

He was a member of First Church of Christ in Fort Recovery. He was a member of the Golden Key Honor Society, Pi Lambda Theta International Honor Society, Autism Society of America and Jay County Teachers' Association.

Service is 2:30 p.m. Sunday in Collett Church of the Nazarene, south of Portland, the Revs. Mike Hamm and Billy Stanton officiating. Burial will follow in the Salamonia Cemetery.

Calling is 2-8 Saturday at the Portland Chapel of Williamson and Spencer Funeral Home, with a prayer service at 8 p.m. Calling on Sunday will begin one hour before service at the Collett Church of the Nazarene.

Memorials may be directed to State of the Heart Hospice, Collett Church of the Nazarene Memorial Fund, or the Imagine Project at Stroh First Church of Christ in Stroh, Ind.

Condolences may be left at www.williamson.spencer.com.