James (Jim) Edward Roberts, who spent his career as an executive in the international oil business, died March 6, 2014, at Seasons Hospice in Naperville, IL. Jim was 79. He was born in Palestine, Texas on December 2, 1934 and grew up in McAllen, Texas. He graduated from The University of Texas in 1959 with a degree in Petroleum Engineering and later earned an Executive MBA from Harvard. Jim was a resident of Longview, Texas from 1999 until September of 2013 when he moved to the Chicago area to be nearer to family.

Jim spent his career with Sun Oil Company after graduating from the University of Texas. Working for Sun Oil was a family tradition as Jim joined his father and brother who were already working there. After starting his career in the oilfields of Texas, Jim began his journey overseas. The international life was a lifelong calling for him and his family. Jim, his wife, Sherrol Glover Roberts, and their two daughters lived in Venezuela, Indonesia and the UK. Even when he returned to live in the United States, Jim still traveled extensively overseas working with people around the world. Whether engaged with his teams organizing OPEC or government officials in Russia, Ecuador, Sudan, Scotland, etc., Jim was in his element and loved operating with all the different cultures. He often said he had the best job in the world!

One of the family's favorite stories about Jim occurred in Indonesia. While searching for a location to start operations on the Indonesian island of Irian Jaya, Jim found and old, abandoned Japanese WWII Air Base back in the jungle. It was at this base that Sun Oil set up its operations. There he met headhunting natives, missionaries and explorers. Through Jim's work, the natives turned from threatening to kill the oilmen to working with the oilmen in developing the base. The family still has the photo of the natives charging the oilmen with spears ready to throw.

However, Jim will be best remembered for his work with people. Jim had a passion for educating, leading, and helping others. Jim believed in taking the time to encourage others to see what they might be able to do in life. He believed in people. His passion for helping others to move ahead was demonstrated time and time again. Whether serving with the Boy Scouts as a troop leader, the Methodist Church where he taught adult Sunday School and started the local branch of the Stephen Ministry, the Engineering Council at the University of Texas, or on the Board of UT Tyler, Jim delighted in seeing people reach their potential. He will be greatly missed.

Jim is survived by Sherry, his wife of 56 years, their two daughters – Holly Roberts Wagner, and husband, Philip, of Los Angelas and Julie Roberts Smith and husband Steve of Chicago – 8 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and his brother John Roberts of Dallas. He is preceded in death by his parents, John Gibbons Roberts and Elma Euphemia (Fritzi) Burger Roberts.

Memorials may be given to any charity of your choice, First United Methodist Church of Longview, or to Oasis Church of Los Angeles. (12800 Riverside Dr. Ste. 200, Valley Village, CA 91607-9905)