James Oliver Roberts Sr.

He was born December 6, 1940, in Houston, Texas, the ninth child of parents Rosalie Marie “Dora” Peltier Roberts and John Charles Roberts, who raised him in a loving Christian home.

James’s lifelong spiritual journey began with his baptism into the Catholic Church as an infant, then continued through Catholic School at All Saints School, where he confirmed his faith in Jesus Christ. As a teenager, James attended and graduated from St. Thomas High School in Houston.

He was an avid fisherman, handyman, and woodworker. But no other hobby could match his passion for bowling. James could always be found at the bowling alley where he worked, played and competed. He was a great bowler who consistently scored over 200 and won many trophies.

Then James discovered a deeper love: a young woman named Mary Elizabeth Willis. They married in September 1963 and soon started their own family, consisting of three boys.

As a young father, James turned to the world of auto parts as he sought to not only provide for his own family but also serve the people of Houston. He worked at Fischer Auto Parts and Hi/Lo Auto Parts, owned by several of his brothers, and eventually advanced into management. Ultimately, James opened his own Carquest Auto Parts franchise, with two stores in Humble, Texas and Spring, Texas, where his three sons worked alongside him.

When his boys grew into adulthood, James decided that retirement and traveling was how he wanted to share his life with his bride of thirty years. Yet sadly, Mary passed away soon after, in January 1993.

James found love again with Ola Mae Pendergrass Brock, married her in May 2001, and moved to Alabama. Fourteen years later, he became a widower for the second time.

Returning to Texas, James embraced life as a retiree, spending his days socializing, playing bingo, doing jigsaw puzzles, and taking painting classes. He especially loved knitting hats and donating them to children afflicted with cancer.

Retirement also meant enjoying his many grandkids and great-grandkids. James was always willing to play with the little ones—blowing bubbles, making music, dancing with a Hula Hoop, stacking Legos. All that love and imagination truly kept him young.

James was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dora Roberts; brothers Father Arthur Roberts, William “Bill” Roberts, and Johnny Roberts; sisters Dorothy Roberts Fischer and Mary Ann Roberts Mack; wives Mary Roberts and Ola Mae Roberts, and grandson Justin Roberts.

He is survived by many who miss him deeply, including son Jimmy and Karen Roberts of Conroe, Texas; son Mark Roberts of Willis, Texas; son Charles and Annette Roberts of Wharton, Texas; grandchildren Joshua Roberts, Amanda Thompson, Jordan Roberts, Kayla Oliver, CJ Roberts, Kaitlyn Roberts, Preston Roberts and seven great-grandchildren; brother Tommy and Joyce Roberts, brother Butch and Chris Roberts, brother George and Olivia Roberts.

At 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 22, 2024, a memorial service will be held at Lamb of God Lutheran Church (1400 FM 1960 East Bypass, Humble, Texas 77338). The family will receive friends starting at 9:00 a.m. prior to the service. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation in honor of James Oliver Roberts Sr. to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=8450242&fr_id=154020&pg=personal