John David Roberts

John David Roberts was born on September 21, 1939, in Boise, Idaho, to Winston and Helen Goodwin Roberts. He grew up on a gladiolus farm and enjoyed Scouts, fishing and taking part in the Collister Methodist Church. He graduated from Boise High School in 1957. In 1959, he graduated from Boise Junior College. He majored in education at Eastern Oregon University, graduating in 1962. His teaching career began at Lincoln Junior High in Pullman, WA. While in Pullman, he earned a Master of Education from Washington State University in 1967.  

In 1968, he got a teaching job at Brier Junior High with the Edmonds School District and met another new teacher, Annette Utzinger. They were married at Edmonds United Methodist Church in June 1969.  

In the early 1970s, he continued his education and earned a Doctor of Education from the University of Northern Colorado in 1974. In the 1970's and 80's, he taught summer classes for educators at the University of Washington; and in the 1990's and 2000's, he taught language arts classes through Seattle Pacific University for teachers. After 33 years of teaching mostly middle schoolers, John retired in 1995. Education was still his passion, tutoring kids in the district who were too ill to attend school and was active in his church tutoring program. In addition, he spent over 20 years tutoring math at Edmonds Elementary. He always had a love of learning.  

John also enjoyed music. He played trombone throughout college and was in the EUMC Chancel Choir and Choir on the Move for many years. He enjoyed traveling with his family, particularly to National Parks. He was a man of deep faith in the Lord, kind, compassionate, had a gentle spirit, a winning smile and loved his family unconditionally.  

On September 1, 2025, he passed away at Harmony Adult Care in Edmonds. John was predeceased by his parents; stepmother, Marie Roberts; sister, Mary Jo Roberts Owens; brothers, Tom and Jim Roberts; and his grandson, Colin Brady Roberts. He is survived by his wife Annette; his daughter Amy; his son David (Stacey); and his grandchildren Brooke and Spencer Roberts.