James "Jim" Roberts

James “Jim” Roberts, 81, of Geneseo, formerly of Orion, passed away, Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at Allure of Geneseo.

Private graveside services will be held at Western Township Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to the Orion United Methodist Church, where Jim was a member.  Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Orion, is assisting the family.

Jim was born on May 19, 1940, in Moline, the son of James Ed and Mildred Marie (Bowen) Roberts.  He married Nancy L. Kester in June of 1965, in Rock Island.  He began his career in utilities at Sherrard Power.  He later worked at Iowa Illinois Gas and Electric Company which is currently Mid-American Energy.  He retired in 2002 as the supervisor of Geneseo Municipal Power Plant.

Jim was involved in the Orion Boys Scouts and Henry County 4-H.  He was a member of the Orion Village Board and active in promoting Henry County Businesses.  He enjoyed bowling, traveling, and was a train enthusiast, collecting model trains and building a model train village.

Survivors include his wife; children Tony (Jennifer) Roberts, Columbia, MO, and Ryan (Jodi) Roberts, Orion; grandchildren, Brody, Brylie, and Meara Roberts; nephews, Jed (Renee) Poust, East Moline, David Poust, Walnut, IL, Eric Rocyki, Muscatine, IA; and niece, Angela Fentem, Colchester, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Jack Poust.

Memories may be shared on the tribute wall.