Jay Roberts, a member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame executive committee, died on June 22, 2011, in Waterloo, Iowa. He was 69 years old.
 
Roberts attended the University of Iowa on partial scholarship. He graduated in 1964 earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology and political science. Roberts lettered three years in wrestling (1962, 1963, and 1964). He also lettered twice in football.
 
He then attended Law School at the University of Iowa where he received his law degree. He began practicing law in Waterloo, Iowa, in 1968. He has been closely associated with the sport of wrestling since graduation.
 
“Jay was always willing to lend his expertise and he was always eager to be involved,” said Dan Gable, head wrestling coach at the University of Iowa from 1977 to 1997. “Beyond his active help with Iowa wrestling and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, I consider him a close friend.”
 
Roberts was a member of the International Wrestling Institute and Museum board when it opened in 1998 in Newton, Iowa. He continued to serve on the board when the museum moved to Waterloo, Iowa, in 2007 and became the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum. 
 
Roberts joined the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Board of Governors in 2009 when the Dan Gable Museum merged with the National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum in Stillwater, Okla.
 
“It was our belief and commitment to the Dan Gable Museum that brought our friendship together,” said Bob Buckley, a member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame executive committee from Waterloo. “Not only will his commitment to wrestling be missed but I will really miss his sense of humor. I grew to appreciate his friendship.”
 
Visitation will be held at Hagarty Waychoff Funeral Home located on 300 West Ridgeway Avenue in Waterloo, Iowa, from 4-8 on Sunday, June 26. 
 
A viewing will be at 9 a.m. on Monday, June 27 at Heartland Vineyard Church located on 1405 Greenhill Road in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The funeral will follow at 10 a.m.