Jimmie D. Roberts passed away at his home in Urbana at 1:45 P.M., Wednesday, October 17, 2012, after a long battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m, Monday, Oct. 22, 2012 in the mausoleum of Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign. Hospice Chaplain, Tim Haworth will officiate.

Jimmie was born in Urbana, Illinois, the youngest child of Nick and Clara Roberts. He met his future wife, Violet Myers, through his niece, Beverly. He married Vi on November 6, 1960 in Urbana, Illinois; she survives. This November would have marked Jimmie and Vi's 52nd wedding anniversary. Other survivors include sons; Ron Roberts (Jacque) of Fisher; Michael Roberts (Rita) of Mahomet; Scott Roberts of St. Joseph, sisters; Gladys McCormick (Bill), Ina Wooldridge, sister-in-law; Ginny Roberts; grandsons: Brandon of Rantoul, Zachery James of St. Joseph, granddaughters; Ashley of Long Beach, California, Jessica of Bloomington, step-grandson: Casey and Kyle Sommer of Mahomet, Little Kyle of Tuscola; step-great grandchildren, Ava Sommer, Tallen Coile, Bently Sommer, and others too numerous to mention. Jimmie also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends, both in the Champaign-Urbana area and in the Rio Grande Valley community. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Austin, John, Fred, Glenn, sister; Charlotte Oaks, and brother-in-law; Chuck Wooldridge

After graduating from Urbana High School, Jimmie worked for his brother Austin as a truck driver for Terminal Warehouse and Transfer Co. He worked there for many years, alongside his brothers, Austin and Fred, as well as his brothers-in-law: Chuck Wooldridge and Bill McCormick. In November of 1956 he was drafted into the Army during the Korean Conflict. After serving our country, he returned to work at Terminal Warehouse & Transfer Co. who did cartage work for Commercial Lovelace. Advance Transportation bought the company. Jim retired on November 3, 1995.

Jim's first love was music. He learned to chord on the guitar from his brother Fred. Jim was musically inclined, and formed his own family band, called "Country Fever" with his brother, Fred (rhythm guitar), Fred's son, Jerry (rhythm guitar, fiddle, keyboard), Jim's middle son, Michael (drums), and John Pennell, Larry Beaumont, and Jim Nobel (alternating on bass guitar).

Besides his music, Jim's favorite past times were go-karting, boating, fishing, water-skiing, turkey shoots, traveling. and the outdoors. Before becoming ill, Jim and his wife wintered in southern Texas in the Rio Grande Valley, where he again formed a band, which he called "Country Fever," in honor of the original band. He and his wife continued to travel, different routes, between Texas and Illinois, meeting many friends along the way for almost 13 years.

Mr. Roberts' family would like to give special thanks to all the medical staffs who gave such excellent care to him.