In Loving Memory

James Harvey Roeder

3/20/1938 — 1/22/2025

Gilbert-Memorial-Park

A Life Remembered

Obituary

James Harvey Roeder passed away on January 22, 2025 peacefully in his sleep with his wife of 64 years by his side.

James was born March 20, 1938 to Harvey Edward Roeder and Mildred Louella Shryock in Sterling, CO. He had an older brother, David Edward Roeder. The family moved to Fort Collins in 1942. This was James’ home until adulthood.

James married his wife, Carolyn Grace Petersen on July 2, 1960 in Rigby, ID. They went on to have one son, and three daughters. James worked for Holly Sugar for 33 years in Colorado Springs, CO as a Professional Engineer. They moved to Sugarland, TX and lived there for 20 years. Wanting to be closer to family, they moved to Gilbert, AZ in the spring of 2016.

James was raised a Methodist, but converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after being taught by three sets of missionaries. He was baptized on Feb. 17, 1962. He was sealed to his wife, son Mark, and daughter Kim on September 19, 1963 in the Logan Temple. James was an active member of the church and loved serving in whatever capacity he was called: Counselor in the Bishopric, Bishop, Young Men’s President, Sunday School President, both Ward and Stake Clerk, High Council member over physical facilities, overseeing the construction of three church buildings and one of his favorite, a nursery leader. He served a mission with his wife in Houston, TX, and was an ordinance worker for 10 years in the Houston Temple.

James was diagnosed with Rectal Cancer July of 2021. He was willing to go through anything and everything to stay as long as he could for his wife and family. James was positive through it all!

James is survived by his wife, Grace, and his four children: Mark (Tami Lee) of Gilbert, AZ, Kim of Henderson, NV, Ellen (Glenn Fisher) of Oklahoma City, OK, and Shannon (Jeff Boyce) of Henderson, NV, 10 grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his parents and brother.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building at 555 S. Recker Rd. in Gilbert, AZ.

Service Details

Gatherings in remembrance

Service

Saturday, February 1, 2025 · 11:00 AM

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 555 S. Recker Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85296

In Memory

Moments to treasure

Messages of Love

From family and friends

Julie Nevitt

Mark & Tami, I we are saddened by your loss. We loved reading about his life. He leaves behind an amazing legacy through you two and I’m sure others. Love from your neighbors up there street. Monte & Julie Nevitt

Ron Hinckley

Loved his soft voice! Gave me fatherly advice.. August of 1977… Forever young Uncle Jim.. the Roeder family.. aunt Grace.. in my thoughts of you.

Rich and Glenna Boyce

We got to know Jim and Grace when our son fell in love with and married their daughter Shannon. We, of course, were delighted that she was from such a good, strong and outstanding family. We have been together with them at multiple events of our joint grandchildren. We’ve always enjoyed being with them. We have greatly admired Jim’s determination as he has fought to live to be with his family. will and strength as he has fought to live for his family. Our prayers reach out to Grace and her family.

David Vezmar

While I met Jim on only a few occasions, it really didn’t take much time with him to realize the exceptional kind of man Jim was -all it took was one of his confident and steady handshakes or a glance into his deeply honest eyes. My heart goes out to Grace, Mark, Tami, and all of Jim’s extensive grieving family and friends.

David Jury

I worked with Jim at Holly Sugar and Imperial Sugar for many years. We met in Hamilton City, California in 1989 when I started working at Holly Sugar and supported some engineering projects. We worked together in Hereford, Texas building a Molasses Desugarization facility in 1991. I worked for Jim in Sugar Land, Texas from 1997 to 2002 as an engineer on his team. Jim was an excellent mentor and a great leader. I was amazed to find out how much he had influenced and impacted company operations when I reviewed old files and project records. I also had the opportunity to work with Jim at church in the Richmond, Texas ward. He inspired me with his insights. I am grateful for all Jim taught me at work and church.

Roy Neer

I’m very sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. He was a great friend and neighbor, and a hard working guy in the Rosenberg Tx ward. All of the Greatwood Neighbors hated to see Jim and Grace move, but it’s good to be close to family.

Tammy Vallem

It saddens me to hear of your loss. Brother Roeder will be greatly missed. What an amazing, loving and kind man he was. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you feel peace and comfort at this time. Love, Tammy

Barbara Williams

Dear Grace and Family. My deepest condolences to you and your family. James was an amazing man. May our Heavenly Father wrap you in his loving arms and give you peace and comfort.

Corey Hinckley

I always looked up to Uncle Jim literally and figuratively. He was a great example to all those who knew him. I’m sure it a joyous reunion when he crossed to the other side. He’ll be missed. My condolences to Aunt Grace and the the rest of the Roeder family.

Donna and Cal Jones

Grace and family, We are so sorry for your loss. We have enjoyed times together while sugar was our common connection cards were enjoyed and an occasional meal. Our prayers are with y’all!

William Pine

I met Brother Roeder as a new temple worker in Houston, he helped me get started and sat a great example for me and when he left in 2016, he was missed. My condolences to the family, Brother Roeder was a great man.

❦

Provided by

Gilbert Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery