James Alvin Roberts

James Alvin Roberts of Downingtown. 

James Alvin Roberts, 72 of Downingtown, quietly departed this life surrounded by his wife and children on August 6, 2017 at Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland, Pennsylvania.

He was born on April 4, 1945 in Greensville County, Virginia, to the late Lester Lorenzo Roberts and the late Queen Victoria (Batts) Roberts. He was the second son in a family of three boys and one girl. 

James was a high achiever, excelling both at football and academics at St. Emma Military Academy. He later went on to earn a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from the University of Virginia in 1967. He enjoyed a long and successful career as an engineer with Burroughs and Unisys Corporations, as well as with The Raytheon Company, from which he retired in 2011. 

James entered holy matrimony with Gloria Jean (Wilford) Roberts in 1971. Two children were born into this union. 

James was very social, bringing good cheer wherever he spent his time. He was an active member and former treasurer of the Star Social Club, and he enjoyed his time on the golf course as if it were a second home. He was a member of the African American golf association known as The Birdie Club. He particularly looked forward to his annual golf retreats every September with his buddies from the Cabin Classic. He was also an avid bowler, playing and substituting in leagues in Downingtown and Frazer, Pennsylvania. 

As a husband and father, James was an incredible provider. He was thorough in any task he took on around the home, yet he also reveled in sharing his jovial, sometimes boisterous nature with his family. As a grandfather, he was nothing but laid-back fun for the kids. 

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Corey J. Roberts of Richmond, VA, and one daughter, Wendy Roberts Bernard (Paul) of Hanover, MD; two grandchildren, Christian and Logan Bernard; one brother, Lester L. Roberts, Jr. (Deloris) of Maplewood, NJ, one sister, Vanessa R. High (Donati Sr.) of Emporia, VA, and one half-brother, Marty Tillery (Lisa) of Kathleen, GA; one Aunt, Julia Branch of New York, NY; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers- and sisters-in-law, and friends.

James was predeceased by his mother and father, Queen and Lester Roberts, and his brother, Perry E. Roberts.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Memorial Service at 3:00pm on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at the DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 410 N. Church St., West Chester, PA 19380, 610-696-1181, www.DellaFH.com 

Interment will be private.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 1500 Walnut St., Suite 301, Philadelphia, PA 19301.

 Service Information