In Memoriam: James Edward Roberts
November 19, 1949–May 29, 2026
We honor the life and legacy of Jim Roberts, a dedicated board member whose leadership and compassion profoundly shaped our community. James brought decades of professional expertise and a steady guided hand to St. John’s Family Center, ensuring our mission remained focused on those we serve.
Known for his warm spirit and unwavering commitment to Bridgeport, James was more than a leader; he was a friend to many. His presence will be deeply missed, but his vision continues to inspire our work every day as we strive to build a more supportive community for everyone.
Jim was born in Bridgeport, CT, and attended local schools. He graduated from Fairfield Preparatory School and from Cornell University in 1968 with a degree in government and German, on a four-year Dean’s scholarship.
Immediately after graduation, he enlisted in the U S Army and served four years in its Security Agency. He learned Arabic at the Defense Language School in Monterey, CA and was assigned for two years in Asmara, Ethiopia, directing a twelve-person intelligence team.
He joined Re Capital Corporation in 1986 as one of three founding officers, serving as its president and CEO. Later positions were chairman and CEO of Trenwick Group, Ltd.; executive Vice President of Alea North America reinsurance division; President of AequiCap Insurance Group; and finally chairman and CEO of Tower Reinsurance, Ltd., retiring in 2014. He was known and respected for his business acumen, uncompromising integrity, and fair dealings.
A memorial service will be conducted on Saturday, June 13 at 11:00 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 661 Old Post Rd, Fairfield.
Donations to the St. John’s Family Center, 1067 Park Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604 will be gratefully received and will aptly honor Jim’s memory through supporting one of his abiding concerns. Please note “In memory of Jim Roberts” in the memo line of checks.
St. John’s Family Center
A non-profit and
non-denominational organization serving Bridgeport and the surrounding community.
SJFC delivers essential local services at no cost, including a community food pantry, a weekly soup kitchen and a clothing closet.
Our Mission
St. John’s Family Center is the principal outreach arm of St. John’s Episcopal Church. The mission of St. John’s Family Center is to develop and coordinate critical resources that empower at-risk individuals and families in the Greater Bridgeport community. Through free, accessible programs including nutritional aid, clothing assistance, and youth educational initiatives, we strive to reduce poverty, provide stability, and foster a more supportive, resilient community for everyone.
Through our Community Pantry, hot meals, and seasonal outreach, we provide practical support to families facing hardship. Whether someone needs groceries for the week or a hot meal , they can count on us to provide compassion, consistency, and care.
Built upon two decades of service and expanded in recent years to meet growing needs, our programs are designed to ensure no one in our community goes hungry or feels forgotten.
Families Face
Food Insecurity
More than 516,000
(1 in 7) Connecticut residents struggle with hunger; more than 122,000 (1 in 6) children
are food insecure.
These are people from all walks of life – children, working parents, seniors, or people living with disabilities.
Homelessness
Bridgeport accounts for roughly 40% of Fairfield County's homeless population, with approximately 350 individuals experiencing homelessness locally. Driven by a 22.9% poverty rate and rent spikes, homelessness disproportionately affects seniors and low-income residents.
Grocery prices
Bridgeport, CT grocery prices are roughly 5% higher than the national average. A typical Bridgeport household spends about $695 per month (or $8,340 annually) for a single adult, and up to $1,829 per month (or $21,948 annually) for a family of four, reflecting the impact of recent inflation.
What we Offer
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Food Pantry offering fresh produce, dry goods, dairy, meat, toiletries, and hygiene products (open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
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Hot Meals & Dining Room serving nutritious meals on-site every Tuesday from 5 to 6 p.m.
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Thanksgiving , an annual outreach event serving over 200 families in Bridgeport with turkeys and full holiday food packages,
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Diaper Program, providing 10–20 diapers per child each month (operates every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
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Free Clothing where families can choose from donated clothing, shoes, and essentials free of charge (operates weekly on Tuesday's from 5 to 6pm)
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Seasonal Drives & Back-to-School Support, including distribution of school supplies, and other seasonal necessities
Who We Serve
Our Outreach Programs are here for anyone in need. We welcome:
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Low-income families struggling to afford groceries and household basics
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Parents and caregivers in need of diapers and children’s supplies
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Individuals without stable access to hot meals
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Families seeking clothing, shoes, and seasonal support
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Residents in underserved neighborhoods
We serve anyone experiencing hardship due to unemployment, underemployment, homelessness, or unexpected financial challenges. Our mission is to provide people with help and hope.
Get Involved
Our Impact in 2025
5,305
meals distributed with an average weekly attendance of 86 guests at community supper
1,220
bundles of diapers and supplies donated to families in need with infants and toddlers
200+
Christmas gifts and 175 backpacks with school supplies given to area children
120
visitors to our clothes closet and 194 households served at the food pantry weekly