This special tribute is dedicated to John Roberts, Jr (aka Lil John). He is an extraordinary individual, who graduated from Kashmere High School in June, 1971. He was born on January 4, 1952 to the late John Roberts, Sr and Ora Brooks Roberts. Lil John is the second oldest of five children.
John attended J. C. Sanderson Elementary School and went on to attend Kashmere Gardens Jr/Sr High School. As a seventh grader, he participated in track and field where he was a sprinter and ran on both relay teams. The following year John decided to attend I. M. Terrell Jr. High School and made the decision to forego track and help with the family business (Gulf Services Station) located on Hwy 59 near Cavalcade Street.
Once at Kashmere High School, John’s passion and love for sports afforded him the opportunity to become a student manager for the football and basketball teams. He played a vital role in the lives of many student athletes and made an awesome impact on the student body as well as the faculty. After graduating in 1971, John continued to support Kashmere High’s Athletic Department. He became a mainstay and faithful supporter at Kashmere for over 45 years. Kashmere’s faculty included him in many extra curriculum activities and Coaches Johnny B. Felder and Garry Dunham made sure transportation was available to him for all the games until his health started declining.
John earned the name “Mr. Kashmere” and was also voted “Most Courtesy Male” by his former Kashmere classmates in 1971. He has been an active member of KFAA since their inception in 2013. We are extremely proud and thankful to embrace such a compassionate, unselfish, God-fearing person in our hearts and call him a “Friend” and “Family”. Lil John truly exemplifies the true meaning of dedication, devotion and loyalty. It is our honor and a blessing to shower him with bouquets of accolades…He is truly worthy.
(We often kid, that when HISD decided to relocate Kashmere High, they chose 6900 Wileyvale because it was across the street from Lil John’s parents’ home)
JOHN Jr, THANK YOU FOR WHO YOU ARE AND WE TRULY LOVE YOU!!!