Jim Roebuck speaking at a local event in 2012 (Photo West Philly Local)

We are sad to report that James R. “Jim” Roebuck, the former state representative from West Philadelphia, has passed away. He was 79.

Roebuck served as a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 188th District, which comprises many West Philadelphia and Southwest Philadelphia neighborhoods, from University City to Cobbs Creek and Kingsessing, from 1985 to 2020.

Roebuck was born in Philadelphia in 1945 and graduated from Central High School in 1963. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Union University and Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. He worked as an assistant professor of history at Drexel University from 1977 to 1984.

Roebuck won a special election on May 21, 1985 to represent the 188th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He was then reelected 17 more times and served as state representative for the district for 35 years until he lost the primary election to the current office holder, Rep. Rick Krajewski, in 2020.

Roebuck was a longtime chairman of the House Education Committee and fought for full and fair funding for public education.

“Representative Jim Roebuck was a good man with a deep and unfailing commitment to public education, to his constituents, and to the city and commonwealth at large,” Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President, Jerry T. Jordan said in a statement.

Roebuck was a longtime Spruce Hill neighborhood resident and was an active member of his community for many years.

Photo from rickforwestphilly.com

The 188th State House District, which encompasses West Philadelphia neighborhoods of Spruce Hill, Walnut Hill, Squirrel Hill, Garden Court, Cedar Park, and University City, will likely have a new representative after the November election for the first time in 35 years. Community organizer, criminal justice advocate, educator and artist Rick Krajewski has defeated longtime incumbent Jim Roebuck in the June 2 primary. The primary winner is almost assured of winning the seat in the November general election.

Krajewski was endorsed by City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier and Senator Bernie Sanders among others and far outspent Roebuck and fellow challengers – Ward leader Gregory Benjamin and former Roebuck aide Karen Dunn.  Continue Reading

UPDATE: Online registration for the annual St. Mary’s Nursery School Fundraiser “Spring For Our School” closes on Tuesday, April 9 at midnight. Discounted tickets ($45) include drinks and food, music and dancing.

Do you want to support children in your community and have a great night out? Please consider attending the Spring For Our School Silent Auction & Party on Saturday, April 13, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the University of Pennsylvania Houston Hall – Bodek Lounge (3417 Spruce St.)

Who is Saint Mary’s Nursery School? SMNS is a diverse, non-profit, non-church affiliated school celebrating 55 years in West Philadelphia, home to 140 children and many active family members who participate in our co-op program. We offer toddler, preschool, Pre-K, After School and Summer Camp programs.

Honoring Representative James R. Roebuck: Rep. James R. Roebuck will be awarded the Jennifer Nix Award for Service in Early Childhood Education for his support of Early Childhood Education (ECE) over the course of his career. Rep. Roebuck is currently Minority Chair of the House Education Committee, and has served on this committee since the early 1990’s, championing education issues from Early Childhood through Pre-K and Higher Education. Rep. Roebuck shares, “It’s only in the past 10-15 years [that] the conversation has evolved and we have talked about programs in the state which would allocate substantial resources into ECE – and I’m proud I’ve been part of that effort.”  Continue Reading

State Rep. James Roebuck, D-Phila., is hosting a free shredding event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 21, at his district office located at 4712 Baltimore Ave.

Residents in the 188th Legislative District can bring personal documents such as credit card applications, cancelled or unused checks, as well as bank and credit card statements to be safely disposed of.

See the flier for more information.

We’re very sad to report that Cheryl Roebuck, a veteran music teacher, Garden Court community activist, and wife of State Rep. Jim Roebuck, passed away last week.

Mrs. Roebuck has worked for the School District of Philadelphia for over thirty years. She has also been active in her West Philadelphia community for over twenty years. She has served as the secretary of the University City Arts League and was a board member of the Garden Court Community Association.

Funeral services for Mrs. Roebuck will be held on Friday, June 10, at Arch Street United Methodist Church, 55 N. Broad Street. Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m.; service starts at 12:00 p.m.