James Oliver Robison

On Friday, January 13, 2023, James Oliver Robison Sr. passed away peacefully at the age of 89, following a recent diagnosis of kidney cancer. “Jim” or “Senior” (as most called him) was loved and admired by many. A close friend referred to Jim as an “uncommon man of kindness, honor, great integrity and diplomacy—having the courage to stand and speak when others would remain silent.” Throughout his life, Jim maintained a high level of respect from many and treated others with compassion and generosity.

Jim was born in Cornelius, OR in 1933 but eventually settled in Keizer, OR where he resided since 1972. Jim served in the US Army for 3 years and the US Air Force for 21 years, where he retired at the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. He also worked for the State of Oregon in the Dept. of Revenue and was a Lieutenant for both the Marion County Sheriff and Keizer Police Reserves.

Outside of his professional career and military service, Jim invested into his community through a 46-year membership with the Elks club, serving two terms as the Exalted Ruler. He frequently partnered with “Meals on Wheels” and gave generously to others around him, without the need for recognition.

As a husband, Jim cherished his time with his wife Lula “Joan”, who passed away in 1992. Although their time together was cut far too short, the two enjoyed travelling, playing cards and investing in relationships with their friends and family.

As a father, he was a strong role model, teacher, and friend. He coached soccer, despite never playing the sport. He consistently provided for his children (Jim Jr. and Lori), ensuring both had the opportunity to earn a college degree.

As a grandfather and great-grandfather, he was the kind of “papa” you want cheering you on at every basketball game, piano recital or college graduation. He was present, loving and devoted to his two grandchildren (Matt and Josh) and five great-grandchildren (Hudson, Harper, Parker, Oliver and Emery).

Jim was a man of great perseverance. He endured the loss of his wife Joan when she was 57, his daughter Lori at the age of 41 and his son Kerry before he was even 2-years-old. Experiencing such great loss did not diminish his joy for life, but rather served as a motivation to enjoy every minute. His life was a living example of Ephesians 4:32 – “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”

For those who knew Jim, they wouldn’t be surprised to hear his quest for adventures didn’t slow down until the very end. He loved to golf, hunt, fish, snowmobile and watch/attend as many U of O games as possible. He took 14 cruises, completing his final cruise at the end of 2022. His best friend Cyndi Twite accompanied him on most of those, and the two enjoyed a number of other excursions around the country. Cyndi’s partnership in Jim’s life was instrumental in keeping him young at heart while adding a great deal of balance to his life.

Jim is survived by his sister, Ramona Petersen; his son and daughter-in-law, Jim Jr. and Kim Robison; his best friend, Cyndi Twite; his two grandchildren, Matt and Josh Robison and their wives Lacey and Jamie Robison; his five great-grandchildren, Hudson, Harper, Parker, Oliver and Emery Robison. All of these he loved and touched deeply.

Please join us in celebrating Jim’s life at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at B4Church, 13565 SW Walker Road, Beaverton, OR 97005.

Jim was laid to rest with military honors at a private graveside ceremony at the Fir Lawn Memorial Park in Hillsboro, Oregon.