James Robert Roof, age 67, of Edinboro, died Sunday, July 5, 2015 at UPMC Hamot after a lengthy illness. Born in Chicago, IL on December 29, 1947, he was a son of the late John and Marietta Wilkinson Roof.

Roof, James RobertJim served in the United States Army from 1967-1971 during the Vietnam Era. He was a proud veteran and was featured as a “Hometown Hero” on WJET TV. For over 15 years, Jim was employed at IBM in Erie as a computer technician. He has been described as likeable and friendly, with a “crazy sense of humor”. Jim especially loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his former dog, Patches.

Surviving family members include his wife, Sue, whom he married October 19, 1968; three children, Sandra Hilliard and husband Anthony of Ohio, Jamie Cranston and husband Shawn of Corry, and Jim Roof and wife Nicole of Edinboro; also, five grandchildren- Kera, Jacob, Brandon, Robert, and Kylie; 3 great-grandchildren- Aletheia, Cadence, and Addisyn; and one sister, Juanita Longstreth, and four brothers, John, Charles, Edward, Bobby, and Bernie Roof.

Friends and family may gather at Van Matre Family Funeral Home, 306 Erie Street, Edinboro on Wednesday evening from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m. The Erie/Crawford County Burial Detail will present military honors at 8:00 p.m. Jim’s request was to be cremated.