James Barnard Roberts Jr.

James Barnard Roberts, Jr. born January 3, 1935 he died March 1, 2019 in Knoxville, TN with his daughter by his side. Jim's death was a result of complications related to his stroke in November 2017 and a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting his autonomic nervous system called (MSA) Multiple System Atrophy.

Preceded in death by his parents James Barnard Roberts, Sr. and Margaret Helen Lennon Roberts, formally known as Nora Landers prior to her adoption by Terry Lennon of Davidson County on January 29, 1909. Also preceded in death by his four sisters; Catherine Ellen Roberts Garrett, Theresa Roberts Smith, Rita Roberts Van Dame, Margaret Ann Roberts Gentles. Jim is survived by scores of beloved nieces and nephews, his daughter Regina Lee Roberts “Regi” of Knoxville, TN and his Son, James Barnard Jenkins, his wife Caroline Hendriks and their children, granddaughter Ella and grandson Lukas Hendriks of Orinda California.

Jim attended Father Ryan High School where he was named to the All Nashville Football Team as a Guard in 1952. Jim Joined the Army in November 1953, he did his basic training at Fort Jackson, SC he served with the 82nd Airborne Group as a Paratrooper. He was honorably discharged in September 1955.

After the army, Jim graduated August 19, 1960 with his Bachelor’s Degree from George Peabody College for Teachers of Vanderbilt University. Jim briefly taught high school in middle Tennessee, but soon discovered his temperament wasn’t a good fit for teaching. Jim was very successful sales representative in the medical sales field. He was an excellent cook and relished cooking for his friends and family. His hobbies were horticulture and landscaping, SEC football, traveling overseas, golfing in later life, and riding motorcycles until he wrecked and broke his ankle in his late 70’s. Jim was known for his uncanny snappy manner, adventurous spirit, colorful attire, his quick wit, and always having a joke for every occasion.

Graveside Burial Services will be held at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Nashville, TN. presided by Father Pat Conner at 2 pm (CST). Following his internment, there will be a memorial reception at Mt. Olivet funeral home for family and friends to gather, eat and celebrate Jim’s life. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be given to the (MSA Coalition) Multiple System Atrophy Coalition in Charlotte, NC www.multipleststematrophy.org