Jonathan C. Roberts
Jon Roberts, nicknamed “Dean,” was a 1965 graduate of Andrew Lewis High School. He developed a keen interest in athletics and was a 4 sport letterman in football, basketball, baseball, and golf. In football, he was a starter at both the offensive and defensive end positions and a valued member of the 1964 Andrew Lewis Group 1-A State Championship Team. Jon was named to the First Team All-City-County, First Team Western District, Honorable Mention All-State Group 1-A, and the A.P. Second team All-State. He was named Outstanding Lineman by the Salem Sports Foundation and received the Roanoke Times and World News Best Little Man Award.
Jon lettered in basketball his junior year and was a varsity starter as a senior. In baseball, he lettered as a sophomore, was named a member of the All-City-County Team and Honorary Captain in his senior year. He also had a fondness for gold and lettered in this sport. He was a member of the Monogram Club and served as homeroom secretary during his junior year.
After high school, Jon continued his education by taking classes at the Roanoke Branch of the University of Virginia. He later attended both East Tennessee State College and Bridgewater College. In September of 1970, he began 4 years of active duty with the United States Coast Guard. His training included narcotics enforcement and undercover work in that field. While on active duty, he also received a Certificate of Achievement from the American Karate Association. After being honorably discharged from active duty, Jon joined the Coast Guard Reserve for an additional two years, earning the rank of Boatswain’s Mate Second Class. He received the Coast Guard Unit Commendation Ribbon; Efficiency, Honor Fidelity Medal; Semper Paratus Medal, and Expert Marksman Medal. During his six years in the service and while in college, he also coached sandlot sports.
In the spring of 1979, Jon earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from Radford College. He taught history, geography, and government at Lord Botetourt High School for the next 15 years. During this period, he also served as the school’s highly regarded and successful football, basketball, and baseball coach. Tragically, Jon became a victim of cancer and succumbed in 1995 at the age of 48.
Revered by students, parents, teachers, and family, the decision was made to create a memorial in his honor. As a result, a $4,000 teaching scholarship in his name was established at Lord Botetourt High School. An annual Jon Roberts Memorial Golf Tournament was created and the initial tournament had 43 teams which enabled the first scholarship to be awarded. To date, there have been eight Jon Roberts Golf Tournaments, proceeds from which have provided eleven scholarships. During his life, Jon Roberts as always known for giving to others and his life has continued to make a difference in the lives of young people. Jon left behind his loving wife Julie McGuire Roberts and their four children, Jonathan Tyler, Timothy Paul, Sarah Adele, and Matthew David.
In recognition of his outstanding career achievements, Jonathan C. Roberts is posthumously inducted into the 2003 Salem Alumni Hall of Fame established by the Salem Educational Foundation and Alumni Association.
