James Perry Roberts joined the 24th Mississippi Infantry, Company G, in MIssissippi. His unit was captured by Union forces, probably at the battle of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee.

He was shipped to an infamous prisoner of war camp located at Rock Island, Illinois (now known as Arsenal Island). Rock Island prison camp was built on government owned land at the northern end of an island in the Mississppi River, near Davenport, Iowa.

Conditions in the camp were poor, and the US Government started recuriting efforts in 1864. Those recruited joined the USA Navy and were assigned to ports, primarily in the northeast.

James P. Roberts was among those who accepted the recruiting offer. His actual service in the US Navy is still being investigated.

He is buried in Lebanon Cemetery, Aberdeen, Monroe County, Mississippi. His marker includes the designation "U. S. Navy"