James Vaughn "Jim" Roberts
January 23, 1941 — July 20, 2017
Mr. James Vaughn (Jim) Roberts Jr., 76, of Franklin, KY, entered into rest surrounded by his loving family on Thursday July 20, 2017 after a short battle with cancer. He was the son of the late James Vaughn Roberts, and Edith Dawson Roberts Akin.
Well known in Franklin as the first Director of the Franklin-Simpson Community Park, for 27 years Jim was responsible for the park’s design and construction. Beginning the project operating out of an old barn with only his own hand tools and truck, Jim retired in 1998 after restoring the landfill to the recreational resource Simpson County enjoys today. He was fortunate enough to retire early and has spent the last 19 years playing golf and catching crappie on Lake Barkley. When he retired, the park was given his name in honor of this hard work and dedication.
He is survived by his wife Joneida Link Roberts, a brother Terry Roberts, and sister Brenda Reid. Other survivors include 3 daughters: Sandy Goodman (Rick) of Greenwood, IN; Christy Thomas (Kevin) of Bowling Green, KY; and Gina Clark (Randy) of Franklin, KY.
He was dearly loved by his 7 grandchildren: Brandon Lake, Alex Goodman, Zachary Goodman, Lindsay Thomas, Parker Thomas, Hannah Clark and Emily Clark, and 3 great-grandchildren: Monica, Braeden and Sophie Lake.
Arrangements are under the direction of Gilbert Funeral Home. Visitation will begin Saturday, July 22, 2017 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM and Sunday, July 23 at 6:00 AM until service time at 2:00 PM with burial at Greenlawn Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Simpson County Parks Board, PO Box 109 Franklin, KY 42135, or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.gilbertfhonline.com