TIFTON — James Cecil ‘Jim’ (Bubba) Roberts Jr., 66, of Tifton, died Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. today in the chapel of Albritton-Beaumont Funeral Directors with Rev. Ike Branch officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday at Albritton-Beaumont Funeral Directors.

Steve Pearman, Mark McLean, Terry Lupo, Jerry Shiver, Pete Smith, Buddy Ray, Sam Branch and Luther Overstreet will serve as pallbearers.

Born May 26, 1943, in Ben Hill County, to the late James Cecil ‘Pete’ Roberts Sr. and Emma Ruth Jones Roberts, Mr. Roberts was preceded in death by his grandparents, Isaac B. and Louise Jones; two sisters, Martha Roberts and Linda Carol Roberts; and his aunt and uncle, Frank Howell Branch and Louise Jones Branch.

A longtime resident of Tifton, and formerly of Ashburn, Mr. Roberts had worked for Leslie Locke, J. P. Stevens and Tifton Mall and was an excellent welder. He was the owner of ‘Big Jim’s’ Lawn Service. He took great pride in all lawns he maintained for his longtime customers. Mr. Roberts loved to fish and spend time at the farm. He also loved his Chow dogs, especially riding them around in the back of his truck. Mr. Roberts liked fast cars, listening to music, watching movies, and traveling with his best friends, especially to Tampa for football games. Mr. Roberts was of the Methodist faith.

Mr. Roberts is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Rebecca and David Van Hoose of St. Augustine, Fla.; four nieces and one nephew, Buffy Lacy of Sycamore, Pete Smith of Cordele, Kim Victoria and Stacey Howe, both of Hinesville, and Christy James of Sycamore; his close cousins, Ed and Elaine Branch of Tifton and Rev. Ike and Debra Branch of Dublin; and his best friend, Steve Pearman of Tifton.

You may sign the guest registry at www.albritton-beaumontfuneralhome.com. Albritton-Beaumont Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.