He was First Chair of the School of Computer Information at UAM and was a retired United State Navy Veteran serving 21 years. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two brothers, Linus Roiger and Gary Roiger.
Survivors include one brother, Wayne Roiger; and two sisters, Janice Beltrand and husband Dwight and Joleen Randall.
Memorial service will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, July 21, 2016 in the Adams Room-Harris Hall at UAM. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(13)
Sri Nippani
Commerce, TX Wednesday, August 12, 2020 Just noticed this about James. We were colleagues in UAM between 99-02. My deepest condolences.Nancy Kelly
Tucson, AZ Monday, December 11, 2017 I'm so sad to just find out that Jim passed on last year! I had just joined the staff here at the Univ of Arizona and Jim was a PhD student. I loved Jim's funny little sense of humor and stories about his motorcycle, time in the navy and discussions about God. What I remember most is his KINDNESS and gentleness towards others. We kept up for many years by email but less each year. I'm retiring next year and was reaching out to past grad students when I was apprised of Jim's passing. Jim was a wonderful human. I'll see you when I see you James Roiger! Save a good seat for me and put in a good word with the Big Guy for me!Leesa Dillman
Dallas, TX Sunday, April 9, 2017 I JUST learned of my friend's and colleague's passing today. I'm so sad. He was something constant in my life of ups and downs, always a supporter. May he be with God, and may good memories give peace to his family and friends. God be with him.Jim Walters
Steamboat Springs, CO Monday, September 19, 2016 Met Jim in 1973 and raced motorcycles in the Anza Borrego desert (east of San DIego, CA) with him and other friends till about 1979. The two of us once took a friend's brand-new Datsun pickup to Baja to pit for Malcolm Smith in the Baja 1000. We were robbed in Ensenada, Mexico while we slept next to the truck! I was one of a group of kids he mentored as he sponsored the first ever motorcycle and sports car Explorer Posts in the history of scouting. No merit badges for us. Most of us are about 20 years his junior and appreciated all he did in the name of helping.He introduced me, a young rock and-roller, to Country music which I endured while making frequent trips to the desert in his Audi 100 towing our dirt bikes behind. When he served on the USS Constellation I introduced him to Jackson Browne in return.
Over the years since 1979, Jim and I kept in touch with frequent emails, less frequent phone calls and trading annual birthday cards. I felt his struggle in pursuit of his PhD and the honor of his faculty position. That meant so much to Jim. I only recently found out about his passing, but felt a hole in the universe for the last two months. James, you have changed back into pure energy just slightly ahead of the rest of us. Blaze the trail, kick up some dust and I will catch up with you soon enough.
Bernette & Cliff Schumacher
Sleepy Eye, MN Monday, August 8, 2016 Rest in Peace Jim from Aunt Bernette and Uncle Cliff. You will be missedCody Wales
Monticello, AR Thursday, July 21, 2016 So sadden to hear of the news of Dr. Roiger. (aka "Roiger!") I always admired him. He was never my professor but I knew him through his poetry and love of motorcycles. One semester we both rode our bikes to campus everyday even on the coldest of days, I always looked for his BMW bike in the parking lot by the BBC to see if he had made in.Romane Dold
Currie, MN Wednesday, July 20, 2016 I and my wife, Patti, were classmates of Jim when we graduated from IHM High in Currie in 1959. Jim was a quiet, kind, considerate person and was always considered to be a friend. May he rest in peace.Morris Bramlett
Monticello, AR Wednesday, July 20, 2016 Jim and started at UAM about the same time, and occasionally worked on committees together. When I became dean, he was one of the few deans that offered advice that would make my job easier. He always had an open door and was willing to help anyone that he could. He was truly a good person and his presence made the world a better place.Rick Clubb
Monticello, AR Tuesday, July 19, 2016 Jim was a good man and we will miss him. I thank him for all the conversations we used to have. The students of the UAM Social Work Program also thank him for his support.Lisa Tucker
Monticello, AR Tuesday, July 19, 2016 Jim was truly a great man and I will dearly miss our visits. I have cut Jims hair for years and always enjoyed him. Prayers to the family at this sad time.MARK L. HAYNES
MONTICELLO, AR Tuesday, July 19, 2016 PRAYERS GO OUT TO JAMES'S FAMILY. HE LIVED ON THE SAME STREET AS MY PARENTS AND CAME TO MY FATHERS VISITATION IN MAY-HAD NO IDEA HE WAS SICK.Linda Yeiser
, AR Monday, July 18, 2016 Jim was a wonderful person. He was such a kind and gentle man, and always thinking of others.Marsha Clayton
Monticello, AR Thursday, July 14, 2016 So sad to hear this, Jim will be missed. UAM and Monticello were fortunate to have you as a member of the community