James Ezra Roberts, 89

James Ezra Roberts, Sr. of Fairfax Va. passed away peacefully on April 8, 2014 surrounded by family.

Born June 1st 1924 in Raleigh North Carolina to Delmer and Nellie Roberts. Jim was a proud but modest WWII vet; member of the 379th Bomb Group, United States Army Air Corps. He flew 35 missions as a Tailgunner in a B-17 over Germany. He worked 33 years as an aeronautical engineer for Department of Navy.

After retiring from the government Jim worked with private contractors for 10 more years. He was very faithful in maintaining his relationships with his former WWII crew members and fellow Bomb Group members.

His greatest hobby was bowling. He participated in team leagues for over 60 years and at the age of 89 still bowled twice a week with senior leagues. Other hobbies included gardening, mustangs, baseball, but his greatest joy was his family and his close relationships with his friends, both old and new.

He had a special gift with people; he reached out to everyone he met and even strangers quickly became friends. He had an inner strength that enabled him to overcome the many obstacles he encountered throughout his lifetime including his last 7 weeks in the hospital.

He is survived by wife of 58 years Hazel Roberts; Children Jimmy Roberts and wife Priscilla, Cathy Kovacic, Mary Ann McManamay and husband Michael, Brian Roberts and Julie Trace; Grandfather to Ashley and Kaley McManamay, Lindsey and Brandon Snyder, Jesse and Rachel Roberts, Angela and Rossana Roberts; Great grandfather to Kinslee Snyder. He is also survived by brother Delmar Roberts, Sister Naomi Belcher and 5 nieces and nephews.

A visitation with the family will be held April 18, 6:00-8:00 PM at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, 9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax, Va 22032. Funeral Service will be held April 19, at 1:00 PM at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home as well.

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