James Lee Roberts

James Lee Roberts passed away January 14, 2026 at the age of 85. James was a resident of Midland since 1952, attended public schools and graduated from Midland High School in 1958. As a young teen, James rode his bicycle to deliver the local newspaper. He worked at the drive-in theaters, the three downtown theaters, and Thomas Funeral home. James joined the Marines with the intention of making it a career. He was a passenger in a tragic military jeep wreck, came home prior to by Greyhound Bus wrapped in medical dressing and decided enough of that!

James graduated with High Honors from Midland College with an Associate Degree in Applied Science, Fire Protection Technology. An employee of the City of Midland Fire Department, he worked through the ranks as Firefighter, Fire Inspector, Assistant Fire Marshal, Fire Marshall, Deputy Fire Chief, then Fire Chief.

He attended the Executive Fire Officer Development Program at the National Fire Academy in Emmittsburg, Maryland for many years. For 25 years, James volunteered as Guest Instructor at The Texas Fire Training School at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas. This training program is the largest in the world and attended by firefighters internationally.

James was a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Texas Fire Chiefs Association, Texas Society of Fire Service Instructors, Chapter Member Southwest Division of International Association of Fire Chiefs, President and TFCA representative to Texas Municipal Board.

He was active in the following civic organizations:  Midland College Services Committee, Past Chairman of Midland County Chapter American Red Cross, Lions Club, Board Member of American Heart Association, President of Midland Municipal Employees Credit Union, Jaycees, Optimist Club, and was a Leader of Boy Scouts of America.

After retiring from the Midland Fire Department, James developed and operated Thrifty Storage Inc. Freedom and wanderlust prompted James to purchase a travel trailer, thereafter exploring the U.S. coast to coast. Adventures by cruise ships to foreign countries with a group of retired Fire Chiefs and their wives was often enjoyed over the next several years. Meantime, James enjoyed adding amenities to his cabin in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Wonderful neighbors gathered there with us along with friends from near and far.

Deceased family is James’ parents Suda Mae and Leo Roberts, his deceased wife Jefflyn Ann (Collier) Roberts, Jefflyn’s family Opal and Valcee Collier, Gary Collier, Carolyn (Collier) Tefteller, Carolyn’s son Paul Tefteller.

Family remembering James is Lindy Tefteller, Emma Tefteller, Conner Tefteller, numerous cousins, wife of 38 years Judy (Galyardt-Turner) Roberts and Judy’s daughter and granddaughter.

The family appreciates all thoughts and prayers. Contributions may be made to your favorite charity or locally to the Professional Firefighters Association of Midland Charitable Foundation, 105 N. “G” Street, Ste. 105, Midland TX 79701 supported and contributed by the Midland Fire Department for families displaced when fire destroys their home.

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