~ Garth Warren, M.D. Forensic Pathologist (Ada County Coroner’s Office)
I proudly support James “Jimmy” Roberts for Bingham County Coroner. Jimmy is fully committed to his profession and continues to improve death investigation in Bingham County and the state of Idaho. I know that when I work on a case with Jimmy the investigation is going to be thorough and well done, which is crucial for me to do my job as a forensic pathologist. Bingham County is in good hands with Jimmy Roberts.
~Keven Lewis Cornelison Funeral Home
I am writing in support of Jimmy Roberts for re-election as Bingham County Coroner.
As a funeral director serving in an adjoining county, I have worked with Mr. Roberts on a number of cases over the years. These interactions are often brief, sometimes under difficult circumstances, but they are revealing. In each instance, I have found him to be professional, measured, and attentive to the responsibilities of his office. More importantly, he demonstrates a consistent respect for the deceased and a genuine compassion for the families involved, something that cannot be overstated in this line of work.
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The relationship between a coroner’s office and local funeral homes is a close one. We rely on one another to ensure that families are cared for with dignity, accuracy, and timeliness. In my experience, Mr. Roberts understands this relationship well and works in a way that supports that shared responsibility, particularly in how decedents are handled, transported, and documented from scene to final disposition.
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In my conversations with him, he has been both candid and thoughtful about the realities of death investigation. This includes not only investigative standards, but also the practical and safety considerations involved in transport and handling. His office follows established best
practices by utilizing dedicated, enclosed transport systems that limit exposure to biohazards, airborne pathogens, and other risks associated with decomposition. These are not minor details, they reflect an understanding of personnel safety, chain of custody, and the need for proper engineering controls rather than relying solely on protective equipment. These standards align with broader public health and safety guidance and directly impact the integrity of the work we all rely on.
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He has also taken meaningful steps to strengthen the system itself. Under his leadership, the office has reduced reliance on third-party transport, preserving chain of custody while also saving county resources. He has secured equipment and grant funding, improved training standards for investigators, and built partnerships that allow for more consistent and professional death investigations. His own background as a certified medicolegal death investigator with extensive experience in emergency services, military service, and instruction further reflects a long-standing commitment to public service and professional development.
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What stands out most is that these efforts are grounded in the day-to-day realities of the job. The same care shown to families is evident in the way he approaches system-wide improvements. There is a consistency between the work done in the field and the work done to improve the field itself.
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Based on my experience working with him, and my conversations with him about the profession, I can say that Jimmy Roberts is both capable in his duties and committed to improving the system he serves.
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For these reasons, I support his continued service as Bingham County Coroner.
Sincerely, Keven Lewis
~Christina Di Loreto, MD Forensic Pathologist
Coroner Roberts is invested in the health and well-being of his community. He not only understands the critical importance of performing a thorough and accurate medicolegal death investigation but also appreciates the need for performing his duties with compassion and respect for the decedent’s and their loved ones.
~Victoria M.Gooch
This is a letter of endorsement for Jim Roberts, the current Bingham County Coroner,
Blackfoot, Idaho.
I have known Jim Roberts for twenty-two years, having met him because of his father's homicide in 2004 in Boise County, Idaho. I was the lead detective assigned to his father's case.
In the twenty-two years I have known Jim Roberts, I have known him to be an ethical, honest, caring, and respectful person. Jim has brought much needed change to the coroner's system in Idaho, especially because the system was antiquated and allowed for less qualified individuals to determine circumstances surrounding death without having a standard. The results of such a system have been historically traumatic for family
members of loved ones who have had their deaths ruled incorrectly.
Jim is passionate about his work, and most importantly, about the people of Bingham
County and bringing to them a more modern, compassionate coroner system, resulting in the much-needed change to a system that was archaic and out of touch with the level of professionalism the citizens of Bingham County deserve.
I support Jim Roberts for re-election to the position of Bingham County Coroner. His ethics, integrity, ability and knowledge have already been proven during his tenure in the coroner's office, and re-electing Jim to the same position will result in the professionalism and compassion he has demonstrated during his time in office.
~Ramona Ping
I am and always will be so thankful for Mr. Robert. When my husband passed away i had a Blackfoot Sheriff's deputy state they were investigating my husband's death as a homicide. As if losing him wasnt enough and being devastated beyond comprehension to be accused devastated me. My husband was on the ground and all i could think of was he's cold please get him off the ground. My mind wasnt comprehending he was gone. I took a jacket to cover him with and this deputy kept throwing it away from him i would pick it up and put it back on him andhe threw it across the yard and yelled at me. I went in my house. Finally another deputy called Mr. Roberts out. He came out and was told my husband was deceased. He checked him, took pictures of him and asked me where i would like him taken to. I told him Wilks. He called Wilks for me. He came in, i asked him a million questions He was very kind, compassionate and caring. He sat with my daughter and myself till Wilks came from Pocatello. I told him that deputy said they were investigating his death as a homicide. He was so kind. He said if they suspected it as a homicide the detectives would have been out and blocked everything so they could investigate. I will always be so grateful for his kindness
~Spencer Christensen BS, AEMT
We need Coroners in Idaho that are performing at this level and looking forward to the future, modernizing their offices and treating the public and families they serve with the best in training, compassion, and investigative integrity. I encourage Idahoans to take your local coroners elections seriously. These officials are hopefully someone you never have to meet in their professional capacity, but they are working quietly behind the scenes every day protecting public health and being an advocate for the most vulnerable in our communities, those who cannot speak for themselves. Idaho desperately needs reform and modernization in its death investigation system, and professionals like Jimmy Roberts and Brett Harding have been leading this charge for years.
~Brent Mendenhall, Madison County Commissioner
I am pleased to offer my endorsement for the re-election of Jimmy Roberts as Bingham County Coroner. I have witnessed his record of service, professionalism, and commitment to the people of Bingham County. It is not only impressive, it is exceptional.
Coroner Roberts is the first coroner in Bingham County to earn certification as a Medicolegal Death Investigator through the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators, the nation’s only accrediting body of its kind.
Before serving as Bingham County Coroner, he devoted his life to public service as a firefighter/paramedic, a U.S. Navy Reserve corpsman serving alongside the U.S. Marine Corps, and a trained law enforcement professional. His decades of real-world experience have uniquely prepared him to lead the coroner’s office with competence and compassion.
Throughout his tenure, Coroner Roberts has transformed the Bingham County Coroner’s Office. He has implemented rigorous training standards, ensuring every investigator is properly educated, certified, and prepared to serve the community. He has gone the extra mile in providing training and seminars to surrounding County Coroners.
His leadership extends beyond County Coroner operations. Coroner Roberts established a partnership with Idaho State University to create an internship program that has already contributed thousands of hours of service at no cost to taxpayers, while also helping train the next generation of forensic professionals.
Perhaps most importantly, Coroner Roberts brings a deeply personal commitment to his work. After the tragic loss of his father, he has dedicated over 15,000 hours to improving the death investigation system so that no family endures the same uncertainty he feels he faced. That level of dedication cannot be taught; it comes from conviction and character.
Coroner Roberts represents Bingham County at the highest levels, serving on numerous boards and committees across Idaho focused on public health, safety, and justice. He continues to invest in education and training, often at his own expense, to ensure his office remains at the forefront of best practices.
Bingham County deserves a coroner who is experienced, ethical, and relentlessly committed to doing the job right. Coroner Roberts has proven that he is that leader.
~ Wai Szeto, M.D. Forensic Pathologist Ada County Coroner’s Office
As a forensic pathologist, I’ve worked with several coroners, and Jimmy Roberts stands out for both his experience and the way he approaches this line of work. He brings a strong foundation in medicolegal death investigation, and just as importantly, he genuinely cares about the people and families behind each case. He approaches every investigation with compassion, attention to detail, and a clear commitment to getting it right. His focus on professional standards and training reflects someone who takes this responsibility seriously. Bingham County is well served by his leadership, and I fully support his re-election as Coroner.
~Sophia Fehrenbacker MDI Deputy Coroner, (ISU Internship)
I had the pleasure of interning for Coroner Roberts for a little over a year and a half. During my time with the Bingham County Coroner's Office, I have seen some incredible changes being made. Prior to my internship, I had no idea just how much work a coroner's office does. The office runs 24/7, 7 days a week. The coroner is in charge of determining the cause and manner of death, meaning how and why someone died. I grew up watching crime shows, and always thought that determining cause and manner of death was easy. Boy was I wrong! There is a lot of work and dedication that goes into helping people know what has happened to their loved ones. Coroner Roberts opened my eyes to this. He is dedicated and caring in his work. You can tell that he puts his heart into the grueling work of a coroner. If you're ever curious about what goes on in a coroner's office, I'd definitely give him a call! I will forever be grateful for the time I have spent with Jimmy at the Bingham County Coroner's Office.
~Lezhai Gulbransen
No one thinks about who our local coroner is until you have to, and nothing prepares you for that. I lost my daughter in a tragic accident in Bingham County, and as horrible as that is, it's what came after that poured salt on the wound. My daughter laid on the cold asphalt for hours...HOURS! All due to incompetent, untrained, and unprofessional coroner that couldn't be bothered to show up. That is what you could expect from the Bingham County Coroner BEFORE Jimmy Roberts took over and made positive changes to the Coroners office in a huge way! I wish my daughter had the respect and professionalism that Bingham County now has since Jimmy took over.
I am telling you this because most of you will hopefully not deal with the local coronor. But if you do you will find communication, professional training, and the exact opposite of what i went through. I dealt with confusion, poor communication, and a process that didn’t feel like it met any standard at all: nobody from the coroner office even contacted me. No family should be left wondering if their loved one’s death was handled the right way. Spoiler...it was not!
What blows my mind is hearing people say that investigations don’t really matter, or that things should just be done the way they always have been. I’ve even heard the idea that we don’t need trained investigators at all.
We are not living in the 1800s anymore, when the local barber often doubled as the undertaker. We don't need the funeral homes (the money makers from death) dictating to our elected death investigators how to do their jobs! Times have changed, and so should our expectations.
Death investigation is serious work. It requires training, accountability, and professionalism. Families deserve answers they can trust. They deserve to know that everything was done carefully and correctly.
What I went through should never happen to another family. I am grateful to Jimmy Roberts for the work he's done for Bingham County. Please vote as if you were a desperate parent trying to find answers. You may be someday.
~ Dr. Kirsten Green Mink (MDI) Department of Anthropology (ISU)
Coroner Roberts is highly educated in death investigations and supports education and standardization within the field. I have been working closely with James for several years including research and internship opportunities for our students and on accessible training for law enforcement and coroners in southeast Idaho. He has years of experience in the internal and external workings of a coroner's office and is passionate about serving families in his community. The compassion and care that he approaches each and every case with is inspiring. I fully support James Roberts to continue representing Bingham County as the Coroner and look forward to working with him in the near future.
~ Bonneville County Sheriff's Search & Rescue
We want to thank Bingham County Coroner Jimmy Roberts for taking time to give a presentation to our group about death investigations. We learned a lot and had some great discussions.
~Andrea Zaferes (Team Lifegaurd Systems)
I met Jimmy last July at a coroner/medical examiner conference and was so impressed wtih his professionalism, knowledge, work attitude, and caring, that I asked if he would join a few working groups and projects I started regarding helping recognize, investigate, and prosecute offenders who commit domestic violence homicides. He said yes, and has been an integral part of the work projects ever since. He did such a great job presenting at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences that he was the only speaker asked to present at the Naitonal Association of Medical Examiners. I wish I could bring Jimmy to our county to run our death investigaiton system and help make the important systems changes he's striving to make for the state of ID.
Jimmy has continually worked to increase death investigation standards so that homicides are not missed, and that all decedents and their families are given the justice of accurate cause and manner of death determinations. He also continues to work extremely diligently to save tax payer money and work to increase state standards.
~Shante Sanchez, MS, MDI Bonneville County Coroner
To the Citizens of Bingham County,
It is with profound respect and firsthand knowledge of his work that I write to endorse James "Jimmy" Roberts for re-election as your County Coroner. Having worked alongside him as a deputy and now as a colleague, I can state without reservation that Jimmy is the true definition of a public servant and a leader in the field of medicolegal death investigation.
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Under Jimmy’s leadership, the Bingham County Coroner’s Office has seen unprecedented growth and professionalization. He has meticulously structured the office to meet the highest national standards, ensuring that every investigation is handled with scientific rigor and unwavering integrity. His commitment to the standards of our profession has set a benchmark not just locally, but across the state of Idaho.
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What truly distinguishes Jimmy, however, is his heart. He consistently puts the deceased and their grieving families first, doing whatever is necessary to provide closure and support. I have personally witnessed him go above and beyond—often reaching into his own pocket to ensure resources are available for those in need during their darkest hours.
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Beyond the walls of his office, Jimmy is a tireless advocate for public safety. He dedicates his time to organizations established to protect our communities and works at the legislative level to advocate for coroners statewide, pushing for changes that benefit every citizen.
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On a personal level, I have been fortunate to call Jimmy a mentor. I would not be where I am today without his guidance and support. He is one of the rare individuals who strives to do better with every single case he investigates, constantly seeking to improve the service he provides to the public.
Jimmy Roberts is the only person in the county with the unique expertise and dedication required to maintain the progress he has initiated. For the sake of professional excellence and compassionate service, I fully support the re-election of Jimmy Roberts for Bingham County Coroner
~Susan Bradford MD (Pediatric physician)
Coroner Jimmy Roberts is a true public servant who is dedicated to doing the work of coroner in a thorough and evidence-based fashion. I have had occasion to work with many coroners around the state and know Jimmy to be top notch—if only all Idaho coroners performed at the same level! Jimmy has worked hard to elevate the quality of death investigations around the state by developing trainings for those who participate in these investigations.
~ Brett E. Harding ADA County Chief Deputy Coroner
My name is Brett Harding, and I am Chief Deputy Coroner with the Ada County Coroner’s Office. I have had the pleasure of working with Coroner Jimmy Roberts for several years. In my over thirty years of experience, I have never meet a coroner with the drive of Jimmy Roberts.
Since he took office, he has impressed me with a passion that is rarely seen in a coroner. He is an intelligent and motivated professional with tremendous leadership skills. Under his direction the Bingham County Coroner’s Office has transformed into a modern Coroner’s office with superior investigative ability. Truly the operations of the Bingham County Coroner’s Office was positively impacted by his vision.
Jimmy inspires others to push themselves to be everything they can be. He meets the demands of any task put before him and never asks more of others than he is willing to give himself. He possesses a unique insight that complements his superior work ethic.
Mr. Roberts always exhibits extremely sound professional judgement and makes sure the welfare of families and the community are of paramount importance. You can always trust him as a reliable “sounding board” for forward thinking thoughts and ideas. He is also most adept at interagency cooperation and has earned the trust and respect of the community and government stakeholders alike.
Mr. Roberts is known statewide for his professional accomplishments. He represents the Idaho State Coroner’s Association to the Idaho Association of Counties. He serves on the Idaho Criminal Justice Commission Subcommittee focusing on legislative change for coroners. The world of forensic science is forever changing, and Coroner Roberts is committed to staying current in the field of forensic science and routinely seeks out continuing education through the International Association of Coroner’s and Medical Examiners. Jimmy recently applied for received a grant to educate community professionals on infant death investigations. Through his efforts the entire State of Idaho will be a safer place for our smallest citizens.
Bingham County has a proven leader in Coroner Jimmy Roberts. I fully endorse his reelection bid for coroner. I have no doubt he will represent your county at the highest level and will safeguard your community.
Sincerely,
Brett E. Harding, MBA, F-ABMDI, CRFA
Chief Deputy Coroner, Ada County
Fellow American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators
Fellow American Academy of Forensic Sciences
Board of Directors National Homicide Investigators Association
Board of Trustees Forensic Science Foundation
Board of Directors of the International Association of Coroners & Medical Examiners
Board of Directors National Association of Retrospective Fatality Analysts
~Jessica Macdonald, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Ada County Coroner’s Office
I am pleased to offer my strong endorsement for Jimmy Roberts, with whom I have had the privilege of working with in my role as Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for the Ada County Coroner’s Office.
In my experience working alongside him, I have come to know Jimmy Roberts as a dedicated, and highly skilled professional. Consistently demonstrating a genuine commitment to serving his community with integrity and compassion.
What I respect most about Jimmy Roberts is the amount of time and energy he devotes to improving the coroner system as a whole. Beyond the day-to-day responsibilities of his office, he tirelessly advocates for meaningful improvements to laws and policies and works to elevate the standards across this profession. These efforts extend well beyond Bingham County, reflecting a broader commitment to advancing the medicolegal field and ensuring better outcomes statewide.
Jimmy Roberts leads with integrity, works hard to earn the trust of those around him, and sets a strong example for others in the medicolegal profession. I have a great deal of respect for his continued dedication, making the coroner system better for both Bingham County as well as our great state of Idaho.
I offer my endorsement without reservation.
~Lacy Williams, MPH
I am pleased to offer my endorsement of James Roberts for the position of Bingham County Coroner. In my role as Chair of the Idaho Child Fatality Review Team, I have had the opportunity to work closely with Jimmy and have consistently been impressed by his professionalism, integrity, and commitment to the field.
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Jimmy brings a thoughtful and systems-oriented approach to his work. He demonstrates a clear understanding of the critical role coroners play not only in determining cause and manner of death, but also in contributing to prevention efforts that protect communities. Through our collaboration, I have observed his dedication to continuous improvement and his proactive efforts to elevate coroner practices across Idaho.
Notably, Jimmy has shown strong leadership in aligning local practices with national standards. His commitment to advancing quality, consistency, and accountability within coroner systems reflects both his expertise and his deep sense of responsibility to the families and communities he serves.
Based on my experience working alongside him, I am confident that Jimmy will serve with distinction and uphold the highest standards of the profession. I strongly support his candidacy.
~Dr. Sam Butikofer, Madison County Coroner
I am pleased to offer my full support for Jimmy Roberts as Bingham County Coroner. Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated a high level of professionalism, accountability, and commitment to improving medicolegal death investigation within the county. Coroner Roberts has prioritized education, training, and system development, ensuring that investigations are conducted with accuracy, consistency, and respect for those involved. His ability to collaborate effectively with healthcare providers, emergency services, and community partners has strengthened the overall response to death investigations and enhanced the support provided to families. His leadership reflects a clear dedication to both public service and continuous improvement. I am confident that his experience, work ethic, and vision will continue to benefit Bingham County, and I fully support his candidacy
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I am pleased to support Jimmy Roberts for reelection as Bingham County Coroner. Through both direct interaction and observation of the system as a whole, I have seen the measurable impact of his leadership on the coroner’s office and the broader medicolegal death investigation process. Coroner Roberts has made significant strides in improving the structure, reliability, and professionalism of the coroner system in Bingham County. His emphasis on training, standardization, and accountability has elevated the quality of investigations and ensured that cases are handled with greater consistency and accuracy. These improvements have had a direct impact on those who work alongside the coroner’s office, creating clearer communication, stronger interagency collaboration, and increased confidence in the investigative process. From my perspective, his efforts have enhanced the way professionals interface with the coroner system by promoting evidence-based practices and aligning operations more closely with recognized standards. This has not only improved efficiency, but also strengthened trust between agencies and the community. His commitment to ongoing education and system development demonstrates a forward-thinking approach that continues to move the office in a positive direction. Jimmy Roberts has also maintained a strong focus on serving families with compassion and professionalism, ensuring that even as systems improve, the human aspect of this work remains a priority. His leadership has created a more dependable and respected coroner system, and I fully support his continued service in this role.
~Richard D. Riffle, D-ABMDI, Ada County Coroner
I am honored to formally express my full and unequivocal endorsement of Jimmy Roberts in his candidacy for the office of Bingham County Coroner. Jimmy possesses a distinguished record of professional excellence in the field of medicolegal death investigation, supported by extensive experience, sound judgment, and an unwavering commitment to the highest standards of practice.
Throughout his tenure serving Bingham County, Jimmy has consistently demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and a steadfast dedication to public service. His work reflects not only technical competence, but also a deep respect for the responsibilities entrusted to the office and for the individuals and families he serves.
Beyond his local contributions, Jimmy is an active and respected participant in the state coroner system, where he has contributed meaningfully to the advancement of professional standards and the continual improvement of the field. His leadership, expertise, and forward-looking perspective distinguish him as exceptionally well-qualified for this position.
It is without reservation that I support Jimmy’s candidacy, and I am confident that he will continue to serve the citizens of Bingham County with the highest degree of professionalism, diligence, and integrity.
~Jan Simpson
I support Jimmy Roberts for coroner. I appreciate his thoroughness and professionalism! He has raised the bar in Bingham County!
~Spencer Moore
Coroner Roberts works harder than anyone else to improve the coroner system and will continue to do so.
Coroner Roberts has revamped the coroner system in Bingham County. His efforts have entirely improved the efficacy of the office of the coroner and care for the families of the deceased. No one else in Bingham county is as qualified for the position as he is, especially considering his constant efforts to enhance the training of all who work in his office.
~Flint Christensen, MS-OPWL, Bingham County Chief Deputy Coroner, MDI
I have had the privilege of serving with Coroner Roberts and have witnessed his every effort to improve the coroner system in our county as well as throughout Idaho. I have witnessed attacks and opposition from leaders in our community that know better and are using their influence to undermine what's right. Idaho is at a crossroads and a vote for Jimmy is a vote for doing things right.
~Cruz Dellasanta Graduate Student and Teaching Assistant Anthropology Department | Idaho State University
I am writing to express my strong support for Mr. James “Jimmy” Roberts in his re-election as Coroner of Bingham County. Over the past academic year, I have had the opportunity to get to know Mr. Roberts through both coursework and a six-month internship at the Bingham County Coroner’s Office. During this time, I have gained invaluable hands-on experience and meaningful insight into death investigations under his mentorship and leadership.
Following an interview with Mr. Roberts for a class project after his guest lecture, it became immediately clear that he is deeply committed to improving both his office and the broader field of coroner services. He consistently seeks ways to strengthen investigative standards not only within Bingham County but across the state of Idaho and beyond. His dedication to professional development and community service is evident in every aspect of his work.
As a current graduate student pursuing a career in death investigations, I have greatly valued Mr. Roberts’ willingness to mentor students and provide opportunities for real-world experience. For example, he generously offered a portion of his land for the Anthropology Department at Idaho State University to conduct decomposition research. This contribution has supported student learning, advanced faculty research, and strengthened collaboration between academic institutions and local agencies. These partnerships are essential for bridging the gap between academic training and applied forensic practice.
Throughout my time working with Mr. Roberts, one word that consistently comes to mind is compassionate. He demonstrates compassion not only in his approach to death investigations but also in his relationships with colleagues, students, his staff, his family, and the broader community he serves. His role as Coroner is clearly driven by a genuine commitment to serving others with integrity, care, and professionalism. In addition to these personal qualities, he brings extensive qualifications and a continued dedication to education that ensure his work is performed at the highest standard.
Mr. Roberts exemplifies the qualities that citizens should seek in an elected Coroner: professionalism, integrity, compassion, and a commitment to ongoing improvement in both practice and community engagement.
~The East Idaho Coroner Coalition
We would like to proudly endorse Jimmy Roberts for reelection as Bingham County Coroner. Coroner Roberts has demonstrated a consistent commitment to improving medicolegal death investigation through training, collaboration, and leadership at both the county and regional level. He has been instrumental in advancing the coalition’s mission to establish consistent standards, strengthen professional certification, and improve access to forensic resources across eastern Idaho. His willingness to invest his time, expertise, and personal resources into this work reflects a level of dedication that benefits not only Bingham County, but the entire region. We are confident that his continued leadership will further strengthen the quality, consistency, and professionalism of death investigations, and we fully support his reelection. ​
Jimmy Roberts has made a measurable and lasting impact on the Bingham County community by transforming the coroner’s office into a more professional, structured, and accessible resource for families and partner agencies. Through improved training standards, better equipment, and responsible use of funding, he has increased the quality and reliability of death investigations while reducing costs to taxpayers. He has built strong relationships with law enforcement, fire, EMS, hospitals, and community organizations, creating a more coordinated and effective response when deaths occur. His leadership has also expanded opportunities through internship programs and community involvement, helping develop future professionals while providing valuable services at no additional cost. Most importantly, his work has ensured that families receive compassionate, thorough, and respectful care during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.