ROBERTS, Robert James

The Camp Verde Bugle, Camp Verde, Arizona Thursday, October 09, 2008 Robert James Roberts was born on Feb. 18, 1947, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Milton Alphine Roberts and Mildred Eileen Overby Roberts/King. With Bob at a very young age the family packed up and moved to Blackwell, Okla. At the age of 14, Bob and his family then moved to Arizona. Bob worked for the Camp Verde Unified School District where he taught math, science and history at the Middle School. Bob loved sharing his many talents with the students of Camp Verde and retired after 27 years of service. Bob, as he was known by his peers; Mr. Roberts, as he was known by his students; or Coach, as he was known by his athletes, touched many lives throughout the Verde Valley. Bob's true passion, however, could be found on the golf course. Many people have said, "I've never seen anyone hit the ball that far." Bob died Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008, at the age of 61 at the Banner Estrella Medical Center, Phoenix. Bob had been battling cancer for the past 39 years, and was in the middle of his fifth bout with the unyielding disease. Bob is survived by his mother, Mildred; brother, Dan; wife, Gwena; sons, Jim (Jenny) and Scott (Amber); and four grandchildren. A memorial celebration of Robert's life was held Oct. 8.