James Roberts Obituary

James (Jim) Albert Roberts, age 85, of Urbandale, passed from this earth on July 13th, 2025 at Kavanagh House in Des Moines.

Jim was born the fourth son of Kenneth and Ann (Maricle) Roberts on April 10, 1940 in Waterloo, IA. He attended first and second grade in Brandon, IA and completed his elementary education at St. John’s Grade School in Des Moines. Jim later graduated from Dowling Catholic High School in 1958. After graduation he attended Rockhurst College in Kansas City and graduated from Drake University in 1962.

In 1960 Jim met the love of his life, Judy Brady and they were married two years later. They settled in Urbandale after marrying and lived out their lives there, actively involved in the community and supporting their children through their many activities. Jim and Judy raised three sons: Tim (Jackie) Roberts, Donny Roberts and Kelly Roberts. Jim and Judy were married for 56 years until Judy passed in 2018.

Jim started his career as an English teacher; he transitioned to the State of Iowa and later worked most of his career at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa. Later in life he also worked for The Iowa Foundation for Medical Care and The Homestead (now Balance Autism). Jim was also actively involved in his church (St. Pius X) as a lectern and usher, he served as chairman of The City of Urbandale Planning and Zoning Commission, was an Urbandale Jaycee and Little League coach and umpire.

Jim is survived by his sons, Tim (Jackie) Roberts and Kelly Roberts; grandchildren, Drew, Josh, Brady (Jarica), Dawson, Allison, Melanie and Brianne Roberts, Ashley (Wayne) Sohl; great-grandchildren, Emma, Hayden and Boston; and siblings, Harry (Jackie) Roberts, Don (Cheri) Roberts and Mary Ann (John) Szymoniak.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Judy; son Donny; and two brothers, Tom and Dick.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, Thursday, July 17, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory in Urbandale. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am, Friday, July 18, at St Pius X Catholic Church in Urbandale with lunch to follow. Memorial contributions may be given to Every Step Hospice - Kavanagh House. Online condolences may be expressed at www.caldwellparrish.com.