Jack Holt Roberts died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, September 5, 2021. Jack was born and raised in Mars Hill, North Carolina where he married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Rice, and where the two of them welcomed their first child, Shelley. After a brief stint in the Navy and a few textile jobs, Jack and his family moved to Aurora, Illinois to take a job with Caterpillar Tractor. He worked a very demanding, over-night shift in the "heat treatment" part of the plant. Jack was always determined to provide for his family, which in 1964 welcomed a son, Joe.

While working for Caterpillar, Jack got involved with the local branch of the United Auto Workers. His leadership skills and character were quickly recognized and he was elected as President of UAW Local 145. He was devoted to his position and wanted to see that all workers were treated fairly. Jack was eventually given a job with the International United Auto Workers Union in Detroit, Michigan, where he worked for fifteen years.

In 1990 Jack took an early retirement from the UAW and he and Shirley returned to Mars Hill where they lived out their days. He was a dedicated volunteer for the local and national Democratic party. He believed that all people were made in God's image and were deserving of love, compassion, and opportunity. Jack was a member of the Ball Creek Masonic Lodge, where he enjoyed fellowship and the opportunity to serve others.

Jack was a deeply faithful man who strived to embrace Jesus' teaching to love God with every fiber of his being, and to love others the way God loved him. He and Shirley were members of Grace Point Church(formerly Woodland Hills), where they enjoyed worship, fellowship, and serving others.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, his daughter Shelley, his Granddaughter Ivy, his Parents Ralph and Cilla, and his brother Bruce.

He is survived by his son Joe, his Granddaughters Jessica and Jenna, his Grandson Jed, and his Great grandchildren Westin, Hudson, and Kaylee.

The family will receive friends Saturday, September 11, 2021, at Grace Point Church from 1-3:00pm. A memorial service will be held at 3:00pm officiated by his son, Dr. Joseph A Roberts.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org