Church Point, LA:         A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, February 19, 2021 at Guidry Funeral Home in Church Point, LA for James R. "Coach" Roberts, 91. The family requests that visiting hours be observed there from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM on Thursday, February 18 and continue from 8:00 AM Friday until the time of the service. Deacon Bryne Winn will conduct the service and interment in the Monsignor Bienvenu Cemetery on Hwy 35 north of Church Point. Pallbearers are Mark and David Reed. Cliff Roberts, Don Guidry, Benny Guidry and Owen Stanford. Honorary pallbearer is Erroll "Slu" Comeaux.
Coach Roberts passed away on February 13 after a brief illness. Born in Charleston, MO; he was the youngest of six children. Coach married Wanda Ballard Reed in August of 1956 and enjoyed fifty-five years with her before her death in February, 2011. They had three children, Debra, Florence and Cliff and he raised the three children from her marriage to Percy Reed (who died in 1952), David, Mark and Doug. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Wanda; a son, Doug and daughter, Florence and his siblings: Joe William, Paul, Frances, Mary and George. He leaves behind sons David (Debra), Mark (Jennifer) and Cliff; daughter, Debbie; granddaughters: Mandie, Alyssa, Rachel, Alison and Robin and twelve great-grandchildren. Coach, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, attended Northeast La State College (now ULM) in Monroe where he played football. As a teacher of civics and a coach of football and track at Church Point High School, a member of the volunteer fire department and the American Legion; he affected the lives of many along the way. Coach enjoyed golf and, after retirement, played at Eunice Country Club and at Cajun Pines, where he managed the clubhouse for many years. He loved Cajun food and culture. The family wishes to thank his caregivers at Acadia-St. Landry Hospital, Acadia-St. Landry Guest Home and Dr. Ty Hargroder and staff. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Church Point High School Athletic Boosters at 305 E. Lougarre St., Church Point or CPVFD at PO Box 188, Church Point.