James Earnest Roberts

James Earnest Roberts, age 78, of Natchitoches, LA, passed away Sunday, January 31, 2010, at Louisiana Extended Health Care in Natchitoches, LA. Arrangements are being handled by Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches, LA, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm on Monday, February 01, 2010. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, February 02, 2010 in the Blanchard St Denis Chapel with Rev. John Robson and Rev. Thomas Rush officiating. Interment will follow the service at Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches, LA. He was born in Fry, Texas November 26, 1931. He served his country in the Army during the Korean War, later working at the Natchitoches Trade School, where he originated and taught the Jewelry Manufacturing Technology and Watch Repair Technology programs. He is also a graduate of Northwestern State University. After a brief time working in the jewelry business in Shreveport, he returned to Natchitoches to be an Instructor at Natchitoches Trade School, teaching both jewelry and watch-making/repair. James opened a custom jewelry business in addition to teaching. After retiring from teaching, he and his wife, Linda M. Roberts expanded the business with both their talents coming together for a unique jewelry service. One of his joys was traveling with Linda and incorporating their experiences into their jewelry business; blending the artistic beauty of the orchid world with the glitz of gold and jewels. He loved his time with Linda at all the Orchid Shows, and meetings with the Orchid Society. He always had a sparkle in his eye while showing someone a unique flower, an incredible stone, or a piece of jewelry with a story. James was a member of the First Baptist Church of Natchitoches. He was preceded in death by his parents, James W. Roberts and Anna O. Earnest Roberts of Eola, Louisiana; and a brother, Sonny Roberts of Hawaii. He has two sisters, Dorothy Thornhill and Pat Messer of Baton Rouge. Survivors include his wife, Linda M. Roberts; son, James C. (Jim) Roberts, his wife Dr. Lynda Roberts of Natchitoches; daughter, Cheryl R. Taylor, her husband Brad Taylor of Beaumont, Texas; four grandchildren: Sarah Taylor of Tuscaloosa, AL; Catherine Taylor of Beaumont, TX; Marlee Roberts, and Scott Roberts, both of Natchitoches.