James G. Roberts

James G. Roberts James G. Roberts, age 86, passed away on September 13, 2013. A Bellingham native, he was born to James W. Roberts and Bertha Keller Roberts. Jim graduated from Bellingham High School and earned degrees from Western Washington State College in 1950 and 1954 and from the University of Oregon in 1964. Jim married Lois Jean Fredeen of Mount Vernon in 1950. Jim was preceded in death by Lois, son Jeffrey, brothers Russell and Frank, and sister Kathleen Youngquist. He is survived by his son Scott Roberts and wife Nancy Teel, and their children, Shannon and Brian Roberts; his daughter Mary Roberts and husband Jim Brewer, and their children, Emma Hite and Alexander Brewer; and numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews, who were uncommonly attentive to their Uncle Jim. Jim was employed by the Bellingham School District from 1952 to 1984 where he served as teacher, principal, administrator and Superintendent of Schools. When Jim retired from the school district in 1984, his office was located in the same Roeder School where he had started kindergarten. He liked to joke that it took him 50 years to get out of Roeder. Jim served as Executive Director of St. Lukes Foundation from 1984 to 1996. He also served as an adjunct professor at Western Washington University and a teaching fellow at the University of Oregon. His professional activities included honorary memberships in Kappa Delta Pi and Phi Delta Kappa, state representative of the American Association of School Administrators, and vice president of the National School Public Relations Association. Jims community activities included presidencies of Bellingham Rotary, United Way, and the Whatcom Museum Board. He also served on the boards of the YMCA, St. Lukes Hospital, and the Whatcom Symphony. Jim served on the Washington State Bar Association Character and Fitness Committee, and as a Whatcom PUD Commissioner. He was a member of Northwest Baptist Church, and a World War II Navy veteran. Jim will be remembered for his gregarious personality, commitment to public service, and deep Christian faith. The family suggests donations to the St. Lukes Foundation, 800 E Chestnut St., Bellingham, WA 98225. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 20th, at Northwest Baptist Church, 3545 Northwest Ave. Bellingham, WA 98225. Please share memories at www.farewelltributes.com Farewell Tribute Information A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 20th, at Northwest Baptist Church, 3545 Northwest Ave. Bellingham, WA 98225. Donations Information The family suggests donations to the St. Lukes Foundation, 800 E Chestnut St., Bellingham, WA 98225.

James G. Roberts

May 16, 1927 - September 13, 2013