Jim Roberts
James Wade “Jim” Roberts, 84, of Waynesboro, passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025 at the Shenandoah Hospice House in Fishersville. He was born in Waynesboro on October 4, 1940, a son of the late Virgil and Mary F. (Shifflett) Roberts.
Jim worked as an ConstructionEstimator with Riddleberger Brothers, Inc. in Mount Crawford until his retirement. He was a member of Clear View Church in Fishersville. Beyond his professional life, Jim became a volunteer member with Waynesboro First Aid Crew in August 1963, where he developed a desire and devotion toward serving others. Early on as a volunteer, Jim first became certified in standard first aid and CPR, two of the basic classes primarily offered in the sixties. Later in the early seventies, Jim advanced his training and obtained his certification as an Emergency Medical Technician. In the late seventies, Jim and other crew members developed an interest in advancing their skill set to Advanced Life Support and became the first Shock Trauma technicians for WFAC and the surrounding area. At the time, “Shock Trauma Tech” was a pilot program developed and taught by the University of Virginia.
Jim’s level of dedication reached beyond that of a regular member. He faithfully served in a variety of capacities with WFAC. In addition to answering emergency 911 medical calls, Jim was a man of talent and skill. He was instrumental in becoming a certified instructor with Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads (VAVRS) in multiple rescue operational courses to include vehicle extrication, basic and light duty rescue, farm machinery extrication, and vertical rescue. Jim willingly shared his knowledge and expertise through his instructorship, creating many well-trained people within WFAC and other fire and EMS agencies across the central Shenandoah region.
Thanks to his dedication, Jim rose through the ranks and served in multiple elected operational officer roles at WFAC to include Motor-pool Sergeant, Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, Captain, and Deputy Chief. In addition, Jim served on various standing committees, both administrative and operational. Jim’s many years of dedication and volunteer service earned him WFAC life membership.
When terrorists launched an attack on the United States on September 11, 2001, Jim was one of five volunteers to travel to “ground zero”, leaving his family to offer his service to the people of New York. He and other volunteers worked long hours in harrowing conditions at “ground zero” to help their brothers and sisters in the New York Fire Department, Police Department, and Emergency Medical Services. Jim and other volunteers received a resolution from the House of Delegates, commending them for their courageous and selfless acts following the September 11 attack on America.
Jim was a mentor and friend to many EMS providers and public safety personnel. His significant contributions to WFAC and other agencies were exceptional across the region and state; he will be forever valued and remembered by many whose lives he touched in the field of EMS and public safety.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, James Leslie “Les” Roberts and brother, Roger Roberts.
Survivors include his loving wife of 67 years, Audrey K. Roberts; son, Greg Roberts and wife, Cheryl; grandchildren, Tristan Roberts and Candice Morgan and husband, Glenn; great grandchildren, Landyn Jordan and Tanner Hundall; siblings: Jean Bowles, Mike Roberts, and Becky Stilner; aunt, Nellie Kerby; Doug and Diane Kerby; Konnie and Danny Fisher; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
A funeral service will be conducted at 2pm on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at Charlton and Groome Funeral Home with Pastor Danny Fisher officiating. Burial will be held privately.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jim’s memory to the Augusta Health Foundation, c/o Hospice of the Shenandoah, P.O. 1000, Fishersville, VA, 22939.
The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Shenandoah Hospice House, especially his nurses, Laura and Christy and thank you to Jim’s home nurses, Mary Fletcher and Melissa Crosby for their loving care of Jim and his family.
Share condolences and memories online with the family by visiting www.charltonandgroomefuneralhome.com.
