James Thurston Roberts' Obituary
James Thurston Roberts, age 87, of Madisonville, Louisiana, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. He was born on August 12, 1938, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Dianna Neal Roberts; children, Stephen Roberts (Linda), Jamie Crochet (Raymond Jr., deceased), Nancy Bonomolo (David), and Cassie Walther (Jonathan); grandchildren, Stephanie Maltzahn, Chris Roberts, Cori Perlander, Amie Vince, Kurt Roberts, Jordan Roberts, Joel Bonomolo, Rachel Miller, Logan Watson, Shannon Blue, Tyler Walther, Raymond Crochet III, Sophie Roberts, and Brennan Walther; and 31 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Frank Roberts and Thomas Roberts; and many extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Roberts, Sr. and Cecile O’Dwyer Roberts; and a son, Bruce Roberts; and a great-grandson, Luke Perlander.
In his earlier years, Jim worked hard as an industrial products salesman, earning many accolades in his career. He traveled the Gulf Coast for work and for pleasure traveled with Dianna, visiting 3 continents. Together they made many lifelong friends along the way.
Papa Jim, as he was affectionately called by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, cherished his family. He made weekly phone calls to each family member inquiring about the welfare of not only their particular family but also their friends, and asking about each one of them by name. He was genuinely concerned as to how they were doing.
Jim loved his family and was especially proud of their accomplishments and successes and would tell anyone who would listen about each of them. He gave every grandchild a unique nickname in which he lovingly referred to them.
Jim loved taking care of everyone and everything. He would feed the wildlife that would show up at his kitchen window and sit and watch as the birds, squirrels and raccoons ate.
Jim loved baking banana nut bread and sharing with his neighbors. The neighborhood kids knew to ring the doorbell for a treat. He always kept extra tootsie pops and popsicles on hand. The garbage men and delivery drivers weren’t forgotten. He made sure they had something cold to drink or a popsicle to cool off.
Jim was a remarkable man—kind, humorous, and full of life. He brought joy, laughter, and friendship to everyone he met. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to your favorite charitable organization in memory of Jim or to his favorite - UP21 Foundation (Down syndrome non-profit organization in St. Tammany Parish) at https://up21foundation.org/donations/
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the memorial mass on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 2:00 PM at St. Anselm Catholic Church, 306 St. Mary Street, Madisonville, Louisiana, with visitation beginning at 1:00 PM. Inurnment will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens, 2280 West 21st Avenue, Covington, Louisiana.
E. J. Fielding Funeral Home of Covington, Louisiana, is honored to be entrusted with the funeral arrangements. The Roberts family invites you to share thoughts, memories, and condolences by signing an online guestbook at https://www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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