Jack Jameson "Coach" Roberts, age 86 of Springfield, Missouri passed away Thursday, January 6, 2011 in the Veterans Home in Mt. Vernon. He was born June 7, 1924, to Mabel Jameson Roberts and John Roberts, of Buffalo. Jack was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Frank J. Roberts. Jack is survived by his wife, Juanita of 61 years and two daughters, Cynthia Lea (Roberts) Pierce and husband Lane, of Murphysboro, Ill., and Jacqueline (Roberts) Wagoner and husband Chip, of Springfield. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Elissa (Pierce) Wright, Aaron Pierce, Ashley Pierce, and Cory and Casey Wagoner. Jack has five great-grandchildren, a niece, Ann Powell and husband Larry, of Republic and Mary Jo Roberts, of Columbia. Jack began his basketball career at Buffalo High School as a player and continued at Drury College culminating his college career by lettering all four years and obtaining a masters degree. Jack served in the Army during World War II and was awarded Good Conduct Badges, Distinguished Unit Badge, five Battle Stars and left as a private first class. His first coaching job was at Camdenton High School where he was credited with turning the Camdenton "Tigers" into the Camdenton "Lakers." After seven years, Jack continued his coaching career in Springfield where he served as assistant coach at Central High School. Jack then became the first head basketball coach at the new Glendale High School. Twenty-one years later he retired with never having a losing season. Jack was later inducted into the Drury Hall of Fame as a Lifetime Achievement winner. In 1993 Jack was also inducted into the Missouri Basketball Sports Hall of Fame. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m., on Sunday, January 9 in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a. m. on Monday, January 10 in Drury Stone Chapel on the corner of Drury College campus. Interment will be in the new Missouri Veterans Cemetery. Contributions may also be made to the Missouri Veterans Home, Mt. Vernon, MO or to the Alzheimer's Association.