James Lawrence Roberts Sr., age 78, passed away peacefully June 10, 2021 due to Parkinson disease. He was born September 22, 1942 in Wewoka, Oklahoma, to Willis and Wilma Roberts. James was the oldest of seven children.

In high school, James was quite an athlete. He ran track and played football for East Bakersfield High school. He married Roxene Hendrix in July of 1963, who preceded him in death in January 2021. From that union, five children were born, and two other children, but in 1996, they moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, later to Okmulgee, Oklahoma.

James worked as a janitor for many years, taking care of his family. His family and friends described him as a "hardworking man". He even had his own janitorial business. James worked for Mercy Hospital in Bakersfield, California, for over 20 years, and when he moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, he worked at Tulsa Public School District 10 years, where he eventually retired.

James leaves to cherish his memory, seven children, James L Roberts Jr., Felix Roberts, Darryl Roberts, Lisa Anderson (Ken), Trevor Roberts (Natosha), Mario Roberts and Donyetta Roberts. He was the grandfather of twenty-two grandchildren seven great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind two brothers, Donmax Roberts, Thadus Roberts Sr, (Denise) and two sisters, Dorothy Roberts and Shiretta Tolbert (Michael); and a host of nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and dear friends. He is preceded in death by wife Roxene Roberts, his parents, Willis and Wilma Roberts, two siblings, Paulette Edwards and Marvin Roberts Sr.

The sacred farewell to Mr. Roberts will be on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at 10:00 AM, at a graveside ceremony, Okmulgee Cemetery.  Elder Hubert Fary will officiate.

The funeral cortege will depart from the funeral home at 9:40 AM.