John Francis Roberts

John was born in La Porte, Indiana on September 7, 1932. He graduated from La Crosse High School in La Crosse, Indiana in June 1950. In June 1954 he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Valparaiso University by double majoring in botany and political science. He began his graduate studies at Loyola University in January 1958 and earned his Degree of Master of Social and Industrial Relations in February 1962.

From May 1948 to April 1957, he held positions at various times as a telegrapher with the Chesapeake and Ohio, Nickel Plate, and Grand Trunk Western Railroads. In April 1957, he was employed as a claims inspector in the Personnel Department of the Illinois Central Railroad.

His next move was to Washington D.C. where he was employed by the National Railway Labor Conference representing management in national collective bargaining. After twelve years in Washington, CSX Transportation asked him to move to Jacksonville to join their firm. In 1986 he and his wife, Barbara, moved to Florida. He retired from CSX as a labor economist in 1993. He served a total of 50 years in the railroad industry.

Retirement wasn't for John; he gave back to the community with his time and energy. He worked at the Jacksonville Main Library automating their card system, did outdoor labor for the Talbot Islands State Parks, and formed the first Citizen Support group for the parks. He served as the President of that group as well as its Business Manager. He also served as President for the Council of Elder Affairs. He was a member of CPAC, along with the Greater Arlington Civic Council, Inc. He served on the TRUE Commission for the City of Jacksonville and was President of the Valley HOA for eleven years.

His last big gift to the city of Jacksonville was the John Roberts Dog Park at the Ed Austin Regional Park.

He is predeceased by his parents, John and Elma Roberts, and survived by his sister Ann Nazimek.

He and his wife Barbara were married for 68 years and have four sons: John Roberts (Mimi) of Herndon, VA; David Roberts of Crofton, MD; Jim Roberts (Terry) of Middletown DE; and Gerry Roberts of Jacksonville, FL. John and Barbara have nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and a service will be held on Sunday, September 18, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, 850 St. Johns Bluff Rd. N., Jacksonville, Florida. The service will be led by Chaplain Brendt Beaird.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hardage-giddenschapelhills.com for the Roberts family.