Former Bulldog two-sport standout James Thomas “Jack” Roberts passed away Thursday, April 21.
 
 
Roberts, a native of Gainesville, Ga., played football and was an All-Southeastern Conference pitcher at the University of Georgia. His finest season on the diamond came in 1953 when he led the team to an SEC title, going 8-2 with a school record 87 strikeouts. His strikeout mark, achieved in just 12 appearances, held for 32 years. Following his graduation, he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals and reached their AAA club, Rochester. Also, he played for the Atlanta Crackers. His professional baseball career was interrupted by a period of military service with the United States Air Force from 1956-58.
 
 
In 1958, Roberts was inducted in to the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame for football, baseball, basketball and track. Together with his wife Mary Ann, he owned and operated Little Ones Day Care for many years. He had his jersey retired in 2008 at Gainesville High School. Roberts, 86, was an outstanding athlete, coach, teacher and friend.
 
 
A memorial service will be held Friday, April 29 at 11 a.m., at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church, with Dr. David Campbell officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations are made to Fayetteville First United Methodist Church.