James Richard Roberson

Reverend, Doctor James (Jim) R. Roberson, age 84, passed away peacefully on August 13th. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA, April 23rd, 1933. He attended Concordia Seminary to pursue pastoral ministry. In 1954 military service took him to Japan, where he and Linda would eventually marry, and have their 1st child, David. He retired from the military after 28 years of Service as a Major (Chaplain) having been stationed at Ft. Knox, Kentucky, Ft. Rucker Alabama, Ft. Jackson, South Carolina and also one tour in Viet Nam from 1968-69. He earned two bronze stars and a purple heart while serving in Viet Nam. He was ordained as a Pastor in the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church, and served Tyro Township and Boyd Parishes in Minnesota. He would go on to Pastor churches in Red Wing, MN, and Albany, New York prior to retiring in September of 1996. His ministry took him around the world as part of the Herb Mjorud Evangelistic Ministry Team as they spread the gospel and power of Jesus Christ to Lutherans in other countries. After retirement he served in the Knoxville area as an interim, and supply Pastor as needed. Even during his recent illness, he continued his ministry to the residents of the VA Home at which he resided. Jim and his wife Linda moved to Knoxville 21 years ago. Jim and Linda celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary last November. Left to cherish his memory are his dear wife Linda, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren whom he loved deeply: son Paul and wife Joan, daughters Martha and Ruth; Grandchildren Rachel and husband Jeff, and Valerie (mother Amber Joplin); Great grandchildren Kaitlyn, Joshua and Brooke. He was preceded in death by oldest son David and only grandson Jacob. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, and all those whose lives were touched by his ministry. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 17th at 10:30am with a Memorial Service to follow at 11:30am at Grace Lutheran Church, 9076 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37923. In lieu of flowers donations should be made to Mercy Smiles International Outreach, 21019 Gliddens Road, Waverly, MO 64096.