Obituary of Alton James Roberts

Surrounded by family, Alton James Roberts peacefully entered the presence of the Lord on April 11, 2025, World Parkinson’s Day. Lovingly known as Jim, Dad, Uncle Jimmy, and Grampie, he was born in Honesdale, PA on October 31, 1934 to the late Alton Jay and Margaret (Thornton) Roberts. Jim married the former Muriel Olver of Hawley, PA in 1956. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force in West Germany and later at Mitchell AFB on Long Island. After his service, he worked for RCA before beginning a career with IBM in East Fishkill, NY, where they raised their family. After moving to Virginia then Florida, they relocated to North Carolina to be closer to their two daughters and their families. Jim lived a full and happy life. A man of unwavering faith, he was a dedicated servant of God. He and Muriel enjoyed traveling and hosted countless holidays and gatherings for family and friends. Jim pursued a wide range of hobbies and interests. He was a collector of many things from stamps and bird houses to the numerous cars he bought and sold over the years, including the old Mustangs he refurbished. Jim’s humor and playful spirit will especially be remembered. His silly stories and antics always filled the room with laughter. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his five granddaughters and two great-granddaughters, always showing them unconditional love and encouragement. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his four brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law. Jim is survived by his beloved wife Muriel of sixty nine years, two daughters Linda (Michael) Tierney and Patti (Gary) Booth; five granddaughters Jill Tierney, Marcie Tierney, Tracy Mayer, Donna (Doug) Goodman, and Julie Ghormley; two great granddaughters Primley and Sianna Mayer; siblings Jean Hicks, Richard Roberts, and Renie Baumgardner; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at Arthur A. Bryant Funeral Home in Honesdale, PA on Saturday, April 19th at 11 am. Muriel and her daughters will receive family and friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Internment will follow at Indian Orchard Cemetery. During Jim’s twenty four years living with Parkinson’s Disease, he received excellent care from his neurologist, the VA, and most recently, home hospice care, for which the family is truly grateful. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in memory of Jim to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, PO Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741 or online at https://give.michaeljfox.org/