James E. "Jim" Roberts

James E. “Jim” Roberts, 97, a lifelong resident of Indianapolis passed away on October 9, 2022, after a sudden stroke. Jim was born on September 23, 1925, to the late James H. & Mary E. (Schmitt) Roberts. Jim was a graduate of Washington High School and grew up in St. Anthony parish. He went on to proudly serve his country during World War II in the United States Army overseas in Germany and France.

When Jim returned home, he began attending Butler University and worked part-time as a bellboy at the Warren Hotel in downtown Indianapolis where he met the love of his life, Mary Jo Sauer. Mary Jo and Jim shared their love of dancing to the sound of big band music together. The pair wed on June 21, 1947, at St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church. This union produced their 5 children, Becky, Mark, Joni, Nancy, and Rosemarie.

Jim worked for numerous years as a salesman in the food and beverage equipment sales industry, responsible for many high schools, elementary schools, hospitals, and restaurants in the Indianapolis area. In his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family from holidays to family trips. Golfing, playing cards, watching sports, bowling, and dancing were other hobbies Jim relished in.

Jim and Mary Jo maintained their membership at St. Catherine of Siena until 1963 when they moved to St. Roch parish. As their children were growing up, Catholic Youth Organization was a large part of their lives, and they spent many hours at CYO sporting events throughout the archdiocese. Jim was a devoted member of St. Roch Catholic Church. Jim was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus, Msgr. Downey Council #3660. Advice Jim has for his family as they move forward, “Be faithful and truthful. Pray together, go to Mass together, and live a long, healthy life.” His devotion to his faith, family, and marriage was apparent to all that knew him; his family will treasure his memory by fondly remembering the inspiration he was and continues to be to his family.

Along with his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brothers, Harold (Martha), Bill (Virginia), Don (Mary Ann), Russell (Bernice), Bob (Marcia), Bernie (Alma); and his twin sisters, Margie (Bob) and Mary (Don); and a son-in-law, Chuck Carroll.

Survivors include his children, Becky (Mark) Adolay, Mark (Connie) Roberts, Joni Carroll, Nancy (Mark) Storey, and Rosemarie (Bert) Stahley; 17 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren with another one expected to arrive in December; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members and friends.

Jim’s Life Celebration® visitation will be on Friday, October 14, 2022, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in St. Roch Catholic Church, 3600 South Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 12:00 PM on Friday, October 14, 2022, in the church with Father Andrew Syberg celebrating. Inurnment will take place in Calvary Cemetery, Indianapolis at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Catholic Youth. Organization; envelopes will be provided at the church on Friday. To sign the online guest registry or share a favorite memory of Jim, please visit www.ORileyBranson.com.

“The best gift a man can give his children is to love their mother.” – Jim Roberts

Thank you, dad, for a life well lived.