James Franklin Roberts Jr.

He was born in Kansas City, Missouri to Jim and Billie (Perkins) Roberts of Martin City, Missouri and raised along with his siblings; Joyce, Jay, Jan and Jean. He was the middle child in a warm and loving family. Taco parties at the Roberts house were a regular and very popular event for friends and family. Summer vacations were spent at the Lake of the Ozarks and were much anticipated by all.

Jim attended Grandview High School where he was a two-sport athlete in football and track. He was the Suburban Conference champion in the high and low hurdles and established the conference record in both events at the time. He was also District champ in high and low hurdles and still holds the school record for the 180 yd. low hurdles. He was inducted into the Grandview High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019.

He was in the Army from 1965-1967 and stationed in Alaska. He returned to Grandview and worked many construction jobs and finally at Leach-Hulbert Lumber for many years. He joined the Grandview Fire Department in 1969 and served as a Firefighter and then Fire Engineer. During these years he received several awards: Fire Company of the Year, Grandview Firefighter of the Year and a Recognition award for Above and Beyond the Call of Duty. He retired after 32 years with the Fire Department in 2001.

Jim was joined in all his activities by his wife of 54 years, Sharon (Hawkins). Jim and Sharon met in high school, but began dating after graduation. Sharon was Jim’s first racing partner, and went to visit him in Alaska when he was stationed there in the Army. They were married in May 1968 in Grandview. Jim came to the marriage with his daughter, Nancy Lea, who was born in 1961, to complete their family. Jim and Sharon lived in Grandview until 1996, when they moved to Peculiar, where Sharon continues to reside in the family home.

His true love in life was drag racing. He started racing right after high school and continued his love of cars and speed throughout his life. For over five decades he built engines for his cars and the race cars of so many others who shared his passion. The friendships he shared at the drag strip were very special to him. He was generous with his knowledge and time, especially with the young guys who hung around Jim’s garage while he was working on engines. Many of these guys mentored by Jim became family, adopted by Jim and Sharon as their “sons,” and are continuing the racing tradition.

Some of his racing achievements included: AHRA World Record in EE Gas in 1979; 2002 KCIR Super Pro Champ; KCIR Sportsman of the Year in 2008, and KCIR Team Player Award in 2001.

During Jim’s working years, summers were spent drag racing and at the lake house in Stockton, Missouri. This was the gathering place for family and friends to spend time on the water, eat, drink, and enjoy each other’s company creating memories that lasted a lifetime. After the sale of the lake house, Jim and Sharon purchased a motorhome and spent time traveling to visit family and friends, and exploring the USA.

In retirement, Jim continued racing (of course), and on their 40th wedding anniversary, Jim and Sharon purchased a classic cruiser 1970 Nova to enjoy car cruising. They attended local car events and went to Mississippi with friends for the annual “Cruisin’ the Coast” Classic Car Cruise.

Jim had a reputation as the go-to guy at the track because he always had extra parts and would lend them freely. Jim was known for his generous nature and would always be there for anyone who ever needed any kind of help. His nieces jokingly argued about who was Uncle Jimmy’s favorite, and they all thought they were because he made everyone feel so special. Jim was honest, but kind; hardworking but fun-loving, the person who was always taking care of those he cared about. If you were lucky enough to be friends with Jim, you were adopted into the Roberts family, and as a result, he leaves many family members grieving his loss.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Sharon; his daughter Nancy Hausner (G.T.) of Sisters, Oregon; siblings Joyce Reisner of Belvedere, California; Jay Roberts (Jackie) of Harrisonville, Missouri; Jan Ulke (Tom) of Naperville, Illinois; and Jean Vandiver (Van) of Bullard Texas. Survivors also include his two grandchildren Jamie McDonald and her sons, Connor and Owen of Boise, Idaho; and Josh Reitz (Andrea) of Vancouver, Washington, and his two daughters Madelyn and Elyse, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local animal shelter, Wayside Waifs, 3901 Martha Truman Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64137, the American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.

A visitation for James will be held Thursday, October 13, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer and Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131, followed by a funeral service at 1:30 p.m.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mtmoriah.net for the Roberts family.