Roberts James C.'s Obituary
James C. (Jim) Roberts passed away peacefully in Escondido, California on May 15, 2014. Jim
was born June 3, 1930 in Los Angeles, CA. He graduated from Burbank High School in 1948 and
from the University of Southern California in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil
Engineering. Jim was an innovator and inventor in all phases of his life. His mission was to improve existing conditions and to find a better way to "fix" most anything from the creation of intricate patented products to hand-crafted wood items to practical repairs. An engineer by education, a farmer by choice, and an inventor by nature, Jim followed his dream to be a farmer. He developed raw land into citrus groves beginning in the late 1950's and continuing until 2006. Some of Jim's happiest days were spent driving farm equipment, planting seedling trees, and seeing the farm dream become a reality. After observing the established agricultural irrigation
methods for groves in the 1950's Jim was convinced that there had to be a better way to
irrigate to conserve water and improve the quality and quantity of crops. He experimented with
low volume/drip irrigation beginning in 1959, and in 1968 another venture, Roberts Irrigation Products, was founded in the family home on the farm. Jim displayed his early products in 1969 at
a Farmers' Field Day in Escondido and at the International Drip Irrigation Congress in San Diego in 1973. Jim was an irrigation industry pioneer, inventing and patenting numerous efficient irrigation
devices over the years. Before the days of digital design Jim was a master machinist developing
prototypes and experimental equipment. From an innovative irrigation idea conceived on a farm, Jim and his wife Betty built a business that sold products world-wide. Jim lived to see the early
idea of low volume/drip irrigation become an accepted world-wide practice today. Jim was active in the San Diego County Farm Bureau serving as President in the 1970's. He received the SD
County Farmer of the Year award in 1975. The International Irrigation Association recognized
Jim in 1999 with the Industry Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the irrigation industry. Jim and Betty were married in 1957 and shared a wonderful life. Jim was a committed
family man. Daughters, Heidi and Susie, and son, John, filled the lives of Jim and Betty with joy.
Every day in the family was an adventure living with Jim Roberts. In 1968 the family relocated
to Escondido and became involved in school, church, and community activities. Jim was a lifelong
sports enthusiast participating in golf, tennis, skiing, and fishing. He especially enjoyed fly fishing. Jim coached youth sports teams and was a regular attendee at sporting and school events involving his children and grandchildren. Canine companions were always a part of family life and
fun. Jim's presence will be greatly missed but his hard-working generous spirit will be fondly
remembered. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Elizabeth (Betty); daughter, Heidi Lynch;
daughter, Susan Phillips and husband Gary Bronsveld; and son, John and wife Karen Roberts.
Jim is also survived by five beloved grandchildren, Stephen, Zachary, Mark, Alexandra and Danny;
brother, Warren E. Roberts and wife Anne; three nephews; one niece; and friends, Sue DeVoe
and Phyllis Lees. A celebration of Jim's life will be held at 11 am, on Thursday, May 29, at
First United Methodist Church, 341 S. Kalmia St., Escondido, CA 92025. The service will
be followed by a lunch reception. Please join us for the celebration. In lieu of flowers,
contributions may be sent to the First United Methodist Church Trustees Fund, 341 S. Kalmia St., Escondido, CA 92025, or to Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego, P O Box 178569, San
Diego, CA 92177.
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