Jeffery Terry “J. R.” Roberts, 64

January 10, 1961 – June 6, 2025 

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller

Jeffery Terry Roberts, better known as J.R. to all who knew and loved him, blazed through life with a spirit too wild to be tamed and a heart too big to ever be forgotten. On the afternoon of Friday, June 6, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family at his daughter’s home in Kossuth, Mississippi, J.R.’s unforgettable earthly journey came to a peaceful close.

A celebration of his extraordinary life will be held from 3 PM to 5 PM on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the Blue Building in Kossuth. Friends, family, and all who crossed paths with J.R. are invited to come share stories, laughter, and memories of a man who never lived life halfway.

Born on February 10, 1961, in Jackson County, Indiana, J.R. was the son of the late Oscar and Kathleen Mae Edwards Roberts. Receiving his education from the Browns Town Public School System, J.R. eventually made his way to Mississippi, where fate brought him face to face with his soulmate, Paula Jean. Though the two were known to clash like oil and water, their was a bond built on grit, loyalty, and deep, unwavering love. She preceded him in death, but her memory lived on in every story J.R. told and every laugh he shared.

A true Jack-of-all-trades—and master of quite a few—J.R. was a skilled and self-taught carpenter, who was known for his strong work ethic and signature craftsmanship. He owned and operated Roberts Ruffing for more than two decades, and left behind roofs that, much like his life, were built to last.

J.R. was more than a carpenter; he was a daredevil at heart. Whether flying down backroads on motorcycles and three-wheelers, catching air with a wild grin, or braving the open water to ski, kayak, or just float and soak in the moment—he did it all with passion and reckless joy. He was the guy who’d cannonball into the deep end, climb a tree just to jump out of it, or ride a wheelie down the street like time didn’t apply to him. And in many ways, it didn’t.

He lived for the little things, too. Fresh buttered biscuits, a handful of salted peanuts, and dessert—always dessert—because life was too sweet not to enjoy it. His appetite for good food was only matched by his appetite for adventure, and both left a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to sit at his table.

Those left to carry the torch of his wild and wonderful legacy include his daughters, Jessica Crum (Frankie Wenzler) and Julia Roberts (Grant Snyder); his sister, Sue Piercefield; his brother, Don Roberts; five grandchildren, Jacob Crum (Candy), Lynnsie Crum (Hunter Jordan), Hunter Bright, Kaylee Bright, and Hannah Snyder; two great-grandchildren, Katheryn Crum and Tucker Crum; and Kevin Crum, the father of his grandchildren, who remained a part of his life.

J.R. Roberts was one-of-a-kind—a man who laughed loudly, loved fiercely, and never turned down an adventure. Though he may no longer walk beside us, his legacy rides on in every throttle rev, every story told around a campfire, and every biscuit slathered in butter with dessert to follow.

He lived fast, he loved hard, and he left behind a trail of unforgettable memories, that Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share with the family.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

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Celebration of Life

3 PM – 5 PM

Thursday, June 12, 2025

The Blue Building in Kossuth, MS