James A. Roberts

James  A. “Jim” Roberts, age 72 of Elkhart, passed away Thursday, May 24, 2018 at Elkhart General Hospital.  Jim was born October 20, 1945 in Lex, West Virginia to the late Charley and Pearl (Robertson) Roberts.  Following graduation from high school, Jim enlisted in the US Army where he served honorably during the Vietnam war before being discharged as an E-4 in 1967.  He later graduated from the Indiana State Police Academy and served Osceola as a Lieutenant from 1980-1984.   On August 10, 1996, he married Sheryl Sickling in Osceola.

Sheryl survives, along with his children Todd Roberts of Elkhart, Jill (Mike) Cotter of Elkhart, Kelly (Noal) Pence of Garrett, IN, and Jaimie (Stephen) Hartz of Elkhart. Also surviving are his grandchildren Emily & Abigail Roberts, Steven & Nathan Pence, and Alexis, Skiler, and Savania Newell.  Jim is also survived by his great granddaughter Natalie Roberts and his siblings Darrell Roberts, Iris (Sherman “Bill”) Dawson, Carol Whitman, Jackie Roberts, Charles (Bonnie) Roberts, Nyta (David) Tilford, Chris (Ruth) Roberts, Carl (Peggy) Roberts and Mary Chester.  He was preceded in death by his siblings Leonard, Sonya, Luther and Phyllis.

There will be 2 hours of memorial visitation on Sunday, May 27, 2018 from 2-4 pm at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola.  At 4:00pm, the American Legion Post 308 will render Military Honors.  Following Jim’s wishes, cremation will take place and interment will follow at a later date.

Jim was the owner of Ravan Motors in Elkhart for over 35 years.  He was also the Post Commander of the American Legion Post 308 seven times over his many years of service to the community.  In his spare time, he enjoyed playing cards, collecting classic cars and guns.  He also enjoyed spending time riding his 100th anniversary Harley Davidson.

In his memory, donations may be given to American Legion Post 308 of Osceola.   To leave an online condolence for the Roberts family or light a virtual candle in Jim's memory, please follow the links on the "Tribute Wall" tab above.