Jimmy Ray Roundtree, our loving father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend returned to his Father in Heaven on February 23, 2023, at his home in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Jimmy was born on July 18, 1962, and was raised in Moab by his mom and dad, Ruth and Ken Curtis, along with 12 siblings. He graduated from Grand County High School in 1980.
Most of his childhood and teenage years were spent in Moab. He was lucky to have grown up here when kids could roam free. He was able to play outside, climb the cliffs up the street, and ride his bike or motorcycle in the field behind the house. The only rule was to be home when the streetlights came on.
Jim served as a member of the Moab Volunteer Fire Department in the early 1980s. He was also a dispatcher for the Moab Police Department for a time. He spent more than 25 years of his working career in the hotel industry, and he loved it. He started as a maintenance technician in Moab at the Ramada Inn. He went on to work for Marriott Hotels, starting in Salt Lake City. It was this career path that took him to the east coast, where he eventually settled in Williamsburg. He held several positions within Marriott’s different properties, including director of operations at Marriott’s OceanWatch, Grand Dunes, and regional director of facilities management at Marriott International. He became general manager at Hilton Grand Vacations, then finished his career as general manager at Star Resorts. Jim worked hard throughout his career, earning several certificates along the way. His family was very proud of his accomplishments.
Jim loved life and he loved family. The most important part of his life was his children, Mistie Roundtree, Ashley Roundtree, Aaron Jensen and Ryan Jensen. He also took great joy in his five grandchildren, Tucker, Gavin, Lucas, Lincoln and Hudson. He was so happy to live close to most of his kids.
Jim cherished and loved his mom and dad, Ruth and Ken Curtis. He listened to their advice and wisdom and sought it from them often. His brothers and sisters were also very important to him, and he talked to them as much as he could. Jim also found ‘family’ with his co-workers, friends, church group, and neighbors. Each and every one of them was important and he made sure to let them know. His daughter remembers how he would sit in his truck on his phone talking with family or friends. He tried to help others that were struggling in their lives with encouragement, example, and a pure love for others. He was truly an example of Christlike service and love.
Jim loved the outdoors, mostly fishing. He spent the last few years working on his boathouse and was so excited about it. He loved his Dodge truck and, before he sold it, his Harley. He and his brother would often go back and forth about which was better: Dodge or Chevy. There was never a clear winner. He told bad ‘Dad jokes’ and had a smile that lit up his eyes and could be heard in his voice.
Jim had a love of smoking meat and liked to try different things. He even smoked an alligator one time. He loved cooking in general. He was always happy to share his talent with others. It was not uncommon for him to take what he had cooked to work with him to feed his co-workers or share it with his friends and neighbors. He had a kind and generous heart.
Jim was very loved and will be missed by all who shared in his life. He is survived by his parents, children, and grandchildren listed above, as well as siblings, Debbie Rappe (Carl), Brenda Rogers (AJ), Rhonda Roundtree, Charlie Roundtree (Mary Grace), Paul Curtis (LuShawn), Katie Victor, Ivan Curtis (Judy) Teressa Hartman (Steve), Stacy Jenkins, Crystal Mitchell (Tim), and Bryce Curtis (Heidi); and many more nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church (420 Mivida Dr, Moab) on March 18 at 11 a.m. A celebration of Jim’s life will be announced at a later date when his children can be here to celebrate with us.
The family wants to thank all of those who have loved Jim and have shown his family their love and condolences. Your love and prayers have been felt.
