Spanish Fort’s first Municipal Judge Jim Roberts lost his battle with cancer Jan. 10.

Roberts lived a life dedicated to joy at home, justice in the courts and miracles in his faith.

Born on April 4, 1958 in Kingstree, South Carolina, Jim demonstrated early in life the high standards he would later inspire in others.

He was an Eagle Scout, a graduate of Albertville High School, the University of Alabama and the Cumberland School of Law.

Roberts practiced law in Mobile and Baldwin counties and served as the municipal court judge for the City of Spanish Fort and county conservator for Baldwin County. His dedication to home, justice and faith was particularly evident in the many adoptions he helped facilitate.

A member of Spanish Fort United Methodist Church, Jim was committed to the belief that his illness could be used as a witness to others.

He was able to see that witness multiply on a miraculous scale as images of his final father-daughter dance went viral were shared around the world, a private moment that continues to feed the multitude.

Former Alabama Bar Association President Sam Crosby said Roberts was the sort of person who lived his life as an example to others.

“Jim was an example for all of us of a man with correct priorities,” Crosby said. “He did a remarkable job of putting his faith first, his family second and the law third. He lived out the prophet Micah’s exhortation to ‘do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with your God.”

Spanish Fort Mayor Mike McMillan said Roberts’ contribution to Spanish Fort and Baldwin County was impossible to quantify.

“With everything he did, Jim always gave his all and his best when it came to serving others and trying to help people,” McMillan said. “Whether as a judge, a lawyer, a member of our community or as a husband and father, Jim Roberts was always a shining example of what we should do in our lives. Words can’t express our gratitude for what he did for our city and he’ll be missed by so many on a personal and professional level.”