Francis "Jim" Robison

Francis James (Jim) Robison, 79, formerly of Detroit, Michigan; Okemos, Michigan and Bradenton, Florida, passed away in Dallas, Texas on August 5, 2024 after a long, courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Throughout this battle, Jim remained steadfast in his faith, and never once complained about the hardships he endured. He passed peacefully with his family by his side in his final days.

Jim was born in Detroit, Michigan on October 2nd, 1944. He graduated from De La Salle High School in Detroit, Michigan in 1962. He then attended the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN, graduating with a degree in Finance in 1966. He completed his education by earning a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Detroit.

Jim married Margaret (Marge) Agnes Kerr on September 1, 1972 at St. Valentine’s Church in Redford Township, Michigan. The couple lived in Novi, Michigan and later, Okemos, Michigan, raising their three children, Jennifer Lynn Robison, Kathleen Marie (Robison) Jamieson, and Michael Wells Robison. Jim was a devoted and loving husband and father. He exemplified a strong work ethic, integrity, humility, and incredible timing for witty one-liners. Jim and Marge celebrated their 50th anniversary with their family in Petoskey, Michigan in 2022, and reminisced about the many happy family trips up north throughout the years.

Jim enjoyed a long career in the commercial lighting industry, beginning with General Electric in Detroit, Michigan, and ultimately running his own business, the Jim Robison Agency in Lansing, Michigan. Jim served in the Michigan Army National Guard, and was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus and Saint Martha’s Parish in Okemos, Michigan. Jim also served as a board member for the Briarwood Neighborhood Association in Okemos for many years.

Jim had a passion for Notre Dame football, family, faith, and music. He enjoyed attending games throughout the years with his family and tailgating with his wonderful group of college buddies. Jim also had a special place in his heart for Detroit sports teams, and the recent success of the Detroit Lions was particularly sweet for him as he was a proud longtime sufferer during the lean years. Above all else though, Jim loved spending time with his family, from cheering on his children (and later, grandchildren) at sporting events to the many road trips throughout the years. True to his Motown roots, Jim was born to drive his car. There was no distance he wouldn’t happily hop in the car and drive, if that meant taking the family on vacation, helping a friend, or attending a game. Jim’s Detroit upbringing fostered his encyclopedic knowledge of 60’s Rock & Roll and beyond. Jim’s parents, Wells and Alice Robison, instilled in him a strong Catholic faith that played a large role in his life. Jim and Margaret imparted the importance of striving to live a charitable and compassionate life to his beloved children Jennifer, Kathleen and Michael, who are profoundly thankful for all of the gifts that he gave them.

Jim is survived by his wife, Margaret (Kerr) Robison; daughter, Jennifer Lynn Robison of Dallas, TX; daughter, Kathleen Marie & Barry David Jamieson of Dallas, TX; son, Michael Wells Robison of New York, NY; grandchildren, Lauren and Megan O’Grady, and Finn, Tyler, and Ryan Jamieson. He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy Ann (Robert) Weir of Troy, Michigan; brother-in-law, Tom Flood Taveres, Florida; sister-in-law's Marilyn (Richard) Sloan of Rochester Hills, Michigan and Elizabeth (Doug) Peterson of West Bloomfield, Michigan; and his cherished nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Francis Wells Robison and Alice (Coen) Robison, siblings Edward Patrick Robison and Mary Monica (Flood); and sister-in-law Phyllis Robison.

A Celebration of Life Funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas, Dallas, Texas at 11am on October, 1st. A link to a Memorial slideshow will be posted in the coming days.

In lieu of flowers, may we suggest a contribution to a Parkinson’s disease charity of your choice.

For the memorial video tribute video, please go to: https://youtu.be/yYc9oKIttC4?feature=shared