James Alfred Roberts' Obituary
James Alfred Roberts
Obituary
May 27, 1932 to May 27, 2024
James “Jim” Alfred Roberts, resident of Canby, Oregon, peacefully departed this world in the
comfort of his home surrounded by loved ones on the morning of his 92nd birthday, Monday,
May 27, 2024. His death aligned with Memorial Day, casting a poignant light on the end of a
remarkable life journey. Born in Tarkio, Missouri, on May 27, 1932, Jim’s early years were
shaped as he and his brother tended to their grandfather’s 640-acre family farm, learning the
value of leadership and hard work. At the age of 10, Jim and his brother, Chuck, traveled for
several days on an Army transport train to join their mother in Portland, Oregon. The brothers
lived in government housing in North Portland while their mother worked in the shipyards
building the famous “Liberty Ships”. Jim attended Portsmouth Grade School and Roosevelt High
School. A talented athlete, Jim lettered in three sports and earned a football scholarship to
Oregon State University. It was during this time that he married his high school sweetheart,
Madeline Lollino, in 1953 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1955, while
fulfilling his commitment to the Reserves Officer Training Corps (ROTC). In addition, he earned
a Master of Education in 1961 and an Administrative Certificate in 1965. Following his
collegiate years, Jim dutifully served his country in the United States Air Force (Active/Reserve
Duty), retiring as a major after 20 years of honorable service.
While at Oregon City High School, he was a teacher, coach, and assistant principal. Jim became
the principal at Molalla High School and later the Dean of Students at Clackamas Community
College (CCC) where he served for 21 years and retired in 1990. Throughout his tenure at CCC,
Jim’s passion for athletics and community involvement shone brightly, earning him accolades
and an induction into the Oregon Athletic Hall of Fame in 1990. During his high school years, he
earned numerous awards including First Team All-City and All State, Hal York Most
Inspirational Player, Shrine All Star Outstanding Lineman, and Most Valuable Player in 1950.
Jim was inducted into the Portland Interscholastic League Hall of Fame in 2005. While at
Oregon State University, he was awarded the Oil Can Award for contributing the Most Humor
during spring practice. He was an avid supporter of community college athletics and instrumental
in the merger of Oregon and Washington Community College athletic programs in 1983. He was
awarded the Northwest Collegiate Roll of Honor for his avid support of community college
athletics. Jim was a significant contributor to the growth and success of Clackamas Community
College, including the addition of women’s sports. While at Clackamas, he was awarded the
New Pioneer’s Award for Leadership and Excellence along with the Banyan Tree Award for
Leadership and Service. One of Jim’s legacies is the “Jim Roberts Jogging Trail,” a well-known
trail at Clackamas Community College. Jim was an active member of the Optimist Club where
he initiated the Punt, Pass, and Kick competition in Oregon City, and was also involved with
Rails to Trails. Jim participated in 14 Cycle Oregon rides, with his last ride being with family at
age 80.
Jim was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Molalla. He also enjoyed many years of
travel with the Bridgetown campers, including memorable trips to Alaska and 48 states. Jim and
Madeline celebrated 70 wedding anniversaries and are proud of their five sons. He is survived by
his wife Madeline, sons Randy (Connie), Craig (Erica), Brad, Todd (Connie), and Guy (Tamra),
his brother Walt Hopkins (Peggy), 14 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren with one on the way,
and a multitude of friends and extended family. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and
Helen Hopkins, brother, Chuck Roberts (Florence), sister, Katherine (Norm) Neaphen and sister,
Shirley Ann Roberts.
A private graveside military service will be held on May 31st at Willamette National Cemetery
in Portland, Oregon, as a tribute to a life marked by honor, service, and unwavering devotion to
family and community. More information is contained at the Veterans Memorial Service web site
www.vlm.cem.va.gov.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Clackamas Community
College Jim Roberts Jogging Trail fund or A SAFE PLACE, www.asafeplacefjc.org, honoring
Jim’s enduring spirit of generosity and compassion.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
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