Roberts

James N. Roberts, 81, of Mercer Township, Harrisville, passed away at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at his home.

He had been a professor and administrator at Slippery Rock University, where he was an interim president.

Jim was born in Lake City, Mich., Aug. 23, 1929, to Bertha and Carlyle Roberts. He was the fifth of eight children.

When Jim was 11, his family moved to a farm in Charlevoix, Mich. Later he graduated from Charlevoix High School and then received his bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University in 1951.

Following graduation, Jim served in the U.S. Army of Occupation in Germany for two years.

Jim pursued a career in education as a teacher in Battle Creek, Mich., and as a principal in Mount Pleasant, Mich. He continued to move forward in his profession, earning a master's degree followed by a doctorate from Wayne State University in Detroit.

Jim became academic dean at the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Ark., from 1962 to 1966. He spent 27 years at Slippery Rock University as vice president of academic affairs, interim president and professor of mathematics and student teaching. He retired in 1993.

He is survived by his wife, Ila, who he married in 1953; and two daughters, attorney Michele Roberts of Milwaukee, Wis., and Dr. Kimberley Roberts and husband, Ron Buikema, of Silver Spring, Md. Also surviving are two brothers, Jack Roberts of Charlevoix, Mich., and Carl Roberts and his wife, Martha, of Northport, Mich.; as well as three sisters, Mary Schrandt and her husband, Jim, of Lansing, Mich., Arlyle Kohler of Detroit, Mich., and Joan Jolliffe and her husband, Fred, of Charlevoix, Mich. He also is survived by several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Two sisters, Marjorie and Phyllis, are deceased.

Jim will be missed beyond measure by those who love him. His courage, integrity and compassion set a life gold standard. The list of lives he loved and aided is endless. He loved his farm and took great pride in his garden, which he shared with many. The world is a better place for the presence he had in it.

<B>ROBERTS</B> — Memorial services for James N. Roberts, who died Wednesday, April 13, 2011, will be at the Center United Presbyterian Church, 211 Center St, Slippery Rock, Sunday at 3 p.m. with the Rev. William Mumaw, pastor of the church, officiating.In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Jim's memory, payable to the University of the Ozarks, Advancement Office, c/o University of the Ozarks, Advancement Office, 415 N. College Ave. Clarksville, AR 72830. In memo line, please print “James Roberts Scholarship.”Arrangements are by <B>Cunningham Funeral Home</B>, Grove City.