Born and raised in Irwin County, Representative Jay Roberts attended ABAC for 2 years before graduating from Valdosta State University. The legislator earned a degree in Criminal Justice and was also on the baseball team at both institutions. He served as captain of the school’s baseball team during his senior year at Valdosta State. He has been married to wife Sarah since 1992, whom he met while visiting friends at Florida State University. The couple has 2 children, Justin and Jana.

Now serving his fifth term in the Georgia State House of Representatives, he serves as the Chairman of Transportation along with membership on the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Appropriations, Rules, and Ways and Means Committees.

His service to his constituents can also be seen locally in his hometown. Presently, he serves on the Board of Irwin County-Ocilla Chamber of Commerce, Irwin County Farm Bureau, a member of the Ocilla Rotary Club and on the Agriculture Advisory Board of Irwin C.A.S.E. In years prior, he served as President of the Irwin County Young Farmers for 5 years. He graduated from the Georgia Academy of Economic Development and the Georgia Agri-Leaders Forum. He was recently presented with the Circle of Peers Leadership Award. The devout Baptist serves his fellow church members as head of the Brotherhood and is a member of the Building and Grounds Committee at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Ocilla.

The former college baseball player has coached his son’s wrestling, baseball and football teams over the years. Although he rarely has time to do so anymore with his busy schedule, Roberts also very much enjoys hunting, fishing, and playing golf.