Jack was the son of Bennett F. and Helen J. (Barrett) Roberts. His maternal grandmother was Mary R. (DeCoursey) Barrett, daughter of James W. and Mary (Murphy) DeCoursey. He was born in Philadelphia. The family only lived there a few years before moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico. He grew up an only child, he did have an older brother named Billy but he died when Jack was about three. Billy died in Kansas City while the family was there on a visit, perhaps it was during their move to New Mexico. Jack became a doctor, the fourth generation in his family to do so.

Related Items:
Pictures of his mother Helen and grandmother Mary.

The Albuquerque Journal (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
Thursday, Jan 31 - Saturday, Feb 2, 2008

ROBERTS -- Dr. John ("Jack") Barrett Roberts died at home in ABQ on January 27, 2008. He moved here in 1931 with his parents, Dr. Bennett and Mrs. Helen Roberts. He graduated from Albuquerque High at 16, and, completed his Bachelor's and Master's degrees, both in Biology, at the University of New Mexico. In 1956, he earned a Medical Degree from the University of Colorado Medical School, completing his medical internship at Philadelphia General Hospital. Upon graduation, Dr. Roberts became a Naval Lieutenant working with Bethesda Medical Research Institute, and conducted research at Ft. Churchill, Canada. Following service in the Navy, he received a Master's degree in Otolaryngology, his specialty, from the University of Pennsylvania; and, completed a medical residency at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.

In 1963, he and his wife relocated to Albuquerque where he practiced for many years as an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor with his father, Bennett (an Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat doctor). Dr. Roberts was the fourth generation of physicians in his family and was a Fellow of the Medical College of Surgeons, receiving Board Certification in Otolaryngology in 1966. He, also, served as President of the Greater ABQ Medical Assoc.; President of the Rotary Club of ABQ; and, for 18 years, was Treasurer of the NM Medical Society. He received the AH Robins Award for Community Service in 1983, and The Ralph R. Marshall Award for Outstanding Contribution to the NM Medical Society in 1993.

He was an avid walker, loved the outdoors, and was a life-long Presbyterian. His six children will forever remember him as a great father, physician and role model. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Joan and their children: Rev. Linda Roberts-Baca, and her husband, Mr. Michael Baca; Mrs. Susan Supple, and her husband, Dr. Jeffrey Supple; Dr. Tom Roberts, and his wife, Lisa (Wardein) Roberts; Mrs. Amy Roberts-Paeth, and her husband, Dr. Scott Paeth; Mr. Ben Roberts, and his wife, Mrs. Molly (Higgs) Roberts; in addition to 14 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, John Barrett Roberts. His Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 2, 10:00 am, at First Presbyterian Church, downtown. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to support the Presbyterian Ear Institute, 415 Cedar SE, ABQ, NM 87106; or the ABQ Rotary Charitable Foundation, 3301 Menaul Blvd. NE, ABQ, NM 87110. They, also, thank everyone for their love, concern and prayers.