Mr. James F. "Jim" Roberts

NEW HARTFORD - Mr. James F. “Jim” Roberts, age 78, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 1, 2021 with those he loved most, especially his wife Barbara, in his heart. Born in Utica on March 9, 1942, James was the son of the late Elmer “Jim” and Katharine “Kay” (Karn) Roberts. He was a graduate of New Hartford High School/Class of 1960 and continued his education as a Pre-Med major at Utica College of Syracuse University. He was the first licensed Operating Surgical Technician in the state of New York, working at St. Luke’s Hospital, and it was there that he met the love of his life, Barbara Edgett, who was a registered nurse. On September 5, 1964, Jim and Barbara were married, and their feelings for one another, along with their deep commitment and common interests, made for a fulfilling life and a very happy marriage that endured for 56 years. Jim next worked as a Medical Researcher at the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory and performed experimental surgery on laboratory animals for the advancement of heart health research. Jim then became a licensed Electrician, after completing an Apprentice Program, and in this capacity he worked on a wide range of projects with numerous contractors. At one time Jim served as the Business Manager for the IBEW Local #181 and he was instrumental in the merger of the Utica and Syracuse organizations. Possessing a keen intellect and a broad range of knowledge, Jim’s intentions were to keep members’ benefit packages in good standing. Jim was a student of history and a fan of informational radio programs including National Public Radio (NPR), where he kept abreast of current events and gained insight into world affairs that he could discuss with great flair. On the home front, Jim and Barb worked together to create lovely seasonal gardens that produced glorious flowers and every vegetable known to man, using the techniques of organic gardening, …a rare commodity before its time! They also maintained a long-standing greenhouse on their property that was a real delight. Through Jim’s ingenuity and Barb’s green thumb, they enjoyed a flourishing vegetable and floral paradise together. Jim and Barb were antique lovers as well. They shared an aesthetic appreciation for authentic, aged pieces from previous time periods, an avocation that led them to participate in all the notable antique shows. In his basement workshop, Jim refinished and restored vintage furniture into something inherently valuable from the past, pieces that echoed the art and architecture of previous centuries. Jim and Barb started up an eBay business, which they named “Crystal Springs.” Their common treasure was glass — depression, pressed, jadeite, carnival, crystal, sandwich, pyrex, and many other beautiful genres, and they also loved prints by legendary artists Currier & Ives. Jim was prescient in his efforts to research, repair, and restore vintage radios from the 1930’s to the 1960’s. He worked with radio vacuum tubes and replacement parts that were simple, yet intricately arranged in these early radios. Restorations like Jim’s are hot collectors’ items today! Jim was an avid walker and he appreciated the woods and waters that brought him a wealth of peace and serenity. He loved the land that he lived on, his paternal grandfather Roberts’ homestead, and the land reciprocated many times over. Jim and Barb enjoyed the fruits of their labor in this location that was home for 55 years. They were great cat lovers and a long line of feline companions shared their historic home over the years. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; his sister and brother-in-law, Judith “Judy” and John “Kip” Brott; his niece, Paige Isadora Brott; numerous cousins; and special friends, Hanne and Julius Saurini, whose devoted friendship, vigilance, and compassion have been critical to the wellbeing of both Jim and Barbara. Jim was predeceased by his parents and his maternal grandparents, Isadore and Katharine (Scheer) Karn. In keeping with Jim’s wishes, all funeral services and Inurnment in Oriskany Cemetery will be held privately. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be directed to the Charles T. Sitrin Home online at https://www.sitrin.com or by mail to 2050 Tilden Avenue, PO Box 1000, New Hartford, NY 13413. During this time of social distancing that we are all experiencing, please take a moment to connect with Jim’s family through the “Memories” section of his obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support.

Mr. James F. "Jim" Roberts

March 9, 1942 - March 1, 2021