i? Cefefration ofbife for 
fjinmy . ^ferts 
Sunrise Sunset 
January 25, 1947 April 26, 2017 
Pastor Eugene Potter 
Senior Associate Pastor, 
Mt. Zion Apostolic Church 
Jimmy Roberts was bom on January 25,1947 to the Late Paul Roberts 
and Mary (Queen) Jackson in Claxton, Georgia 
Jimmy referred to as "Jimmy D" was formally educated in Claxton, Georgia in 
Evans County High School where he excelled in education and sports. Jimmy D was 
Class President at his High School. Jimmy was known as a legend in football during 
high school and college breaking various records, which led him to receive a full 
football scholarship; he graduated with a Bachelorss degree in education at Fort 
Valley State College located in Fort Valley, Ga. Also, due to his Athletic 
accomplishments and broken records in football, he was invited to participate in the 
Dallas Cowboys Training Camp; unfortunately, he sustained a knee injury and was 
no longer able to pursue a career in professional sports. Jimmy conceived two boys 
Zyon and Antonio (Danny) while residing in Georgia.While Jimmy was attending 
Fort Valley State College he began courting Debra Laveme Smartt, they married in 
June 1971 in Cordele, GA; out of this union three additional children were bom; 
twin girls Sharon & Shavon and son Eric. Jimmy relocated his family to 
Indianapolis, Indiana for new teaching opportunities arriving in the late 1970's; 
landing his first teaching opportunity with Indianapolis Public Schools. He later 
obtained a masters degree fi'om Indiana University-Purdue University at 
Indianapolis. Jimmy was employed as a teacher for over 35 years. He spent 28 of 
those years teaching at Decatur Middle School, retiring from there in 2009. 
Jirmny was an excellent educator as well as a devoted coach. Jimmy would pick up 
students for practice if they did not have transportation to and from games and 
practice. His own children would also load up in the station wagon and travel along. 
Jimmy was traly loved by his students. Jimmy would always bring his students 
candy and treats to class. Around Christmas time every year 
he enjoyed showing his students the hilarious movie A Christmas Story. 
Jimmy accepted Christ at an early age. Jimmy was a loving father and grandfather. 
Very encouraging and positive in his speech. 
He also had a great sense of humor and has touched many lives. 
To cherish his precious memories. He leaves his children: Antonio (Monique) 
Roberts of Atlanta GA; Zyon (Sharon) Smiley of Savannah, GA; Shavon (Paul) 
Jones of Indianapolis, IN; Sharon (Robert) Young of Indianapolis, IN: Eric Roberts 
of Indianapolis, IN; 13 grandchildren; Sisters & Brothers: Geneva Thomas of 
Claxton, GA, Pecola (Bill) Hall of Claxton, GA Maeva (Rev. Robert) Edwards 
Claxton, Ga., Marvenia Williams of Claxton, GA, John Willie Roberts of North 
Carolina, Jessie Roberts of North Caroline and late Paul Roberts of Florida. 
S^dnowfe/^ments 
The family of Jimmy Roberts wishes to thank family and 
friends for the expressions of sympathy, prayers, and all 
acts of kindness during this time of loss. 
May God bless you and keep you. 
Offer of Service 
Castor Eugene Totkr, Offidatin^ 
Processional........... 
Prayer................. 
Scripture.............. 
Acknowledgments........ 
Musical Selection...... 
Obituary (Read Silently) 
Ministerial Remarks.... 
Reflections of Friends 
Family Remarks...... 
Musical Selection... 
Eulogy.............. 
Recessional......... 
Committal........... 
Benediction.......... 
..."He Wants it All" Forever Jones 
............Pastor Eugene Potter 
.................Debra Reynolds 
.................Tarija Hubbard 
"Safe in His Arms" Angelah Evans 
.....................Soft Music 
...........Pastor Venus Stafford 
.........Pastor Kenny Alexander 
(Jesus Saves Lighthouse Church) 
..............Two Minutes Please 
..............Two Minutes Please 
...............Deanna Benjamin 
............Pastor Eugene Potter 
........."My Way" Frank Sinatra 
............Pastor Eugene Potter 
............Pastor Eugene Potter 
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide 
under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He 
is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him I trust 
-Psalm 91 
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of 
them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; 
he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. 
-Deuteronomy 31:6 
/ Made It Home 
Ijust wanted you all to know 
that I made it home. 
The journey wasn't an easy one, 
but it didn't take too long. 
Everything is so pretty here, 
so white, so fresh, and new. 
I wish that you could all close your eyes 
and that you could see it too. 
Please try not to be sadfor me. 
Try to understand that God 
is taking care of me... 
I'm in the shelter of His hands. 
Here there is no sadness, 
no sorrow and no pain. 
Here there is no crying, 
and I'll never hurt again. 
Here it is so peaceful 
when all the angels sing. 
I really have to go for now... 
I've just got to try my wings. 
Planner and Buchanan Funeral Centers 
Indianapolis Indiana 
CMe 
essen^erf' 31MIPT 
Printed in U.SA