Jimmy O’Neal Roberts, age 82, passed away on September 21, 2026.Jim was born on January 31, 1944, in Haleyville, Alabama, to William C. Roberts and Alta Kidd Roberts. He grew up in Haleyville and graduated from Haleyville High School, where he played football. He went on to attend Florence State College, where he continued playing the game he loved as an offensive lineman.
Jim spent most of his life in the construction industry, building new homes and remodeling homes for others. For several years, he owned and operated his own construction company. He took great pride in his work, and his craftsmanship, dedication, and strong work ethic were evident in the many homes he helped build and improve over the years.
He is survived by his daughter, Julie Roberts Perry and her husband, Wesley; his son, Justin O’Neal Roberts and his wife, Kathryn; his sister, Sandy Roberts League and her husband, Jim; and his three beloved grandchildren, Sarah Kathryn Roberts, William Roberts Perry, and Benjamin McClary Roberts. Jim was especially proud of his grandchildren and the young people they had become. They were a great source of pride and joy in his life, and he treasured being their grandfather.
Jim was a lifelong animal lover and had a special place in his heart for his pets. He dearly loved his dogs, Mollie, Belle, and Snookie, who preceded him in death, and his beloved cat, Tigger, who remained his faithful companion.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William C. Roberts and Alta Kidd Roberts.
Jim will be remembered by his family and those who knew him for a life centered around family, hard work, and the things he loved. His memory will live on in the homes he helped build, the lives he touched, and, most of all, in the family who loved him.
A graveside service will be held at Roselawn Cemetery Tuesday, September 29 at 11:00 am.
Serving as pallbearers will be Allen Crawford, Jody Murphree, William Perry, Ben Roberts, Kaden Rosencrance and Keith Rosencrance. Honorary pallbearers will be Wayland Elliott, Jimmy Howell, Larry Marshall, Bob Masdon and Norman Roby.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Decatur Animal Services in Jim’s memory, a fitting tribute to his lifelong love for animals.
