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James “Jim” A. Robison, 90, of Barter’s Island Maine passed away July 7 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House after a brief illness.
Jim was born June 6, 1928 in San Mateo California to Harold and Cameo (Houghton) Robison. The family lived in several states and eventually settled in Brookline MA where Jim attended Brookline High School, excelling in both sports and academics. Jim attended Massachusetts College of Art, where he met the love of his life and future wife Veronica (Ronnie) Mekal. After proudly serving his country in the Army during the Korean conflict, Jim returned to Brookline and married Ronnie September 7, 1953. The newlyweds then moved to New York, where Jim obtained his Master’s Degree in Education from Columbia University. The couple returned to Brookline and became parents to identical twin sons Peter and Preston. The family settled in Sudbury, and two daughters Christine (Beth) and Lauren completed their family.
Jim worked for the City of Newton Public Schools as an educator, while attending Boston University obtaining his PhD in Education. He spent many years as the Audio-Visual Coordinator, and then taught art at the junior high level. Jim rounded out his career as a college professor at Framingham State College, teaching Communications and Visual Arts. Jim touched the lives of many school children and college students alike and many remained in touch with Jim throughout the years. Jim retired in 1991.
Jim and his family summered in Friendship for several years, enjoying the house Jim designed and built. Prior to retirement Jim and Ronnie moved to Barter’s Island, where they spent their last years together refinishing a salt water farm on the Sheepscot River. Together they enjoyed the natural beauty of the area sailing, gardening and taking walks with their faithful dog Cassie.
Jim was a man of exceptional talent, which included writing numerous books and articles related to education and cursive handwriting. Jim was a private pilot, building his own biplane, which he named the “Acey-Ducey” and flew out of the Wiscasset airport. Jim loved to bake, and many a time neighbors would find a just baked baguette on their doorstep. Jim was a sculptor and painter and would often be found in his barn creating art. Jim focused on painting in the primitive style during his final years, and his work adorned the walls of many friends and family alike.
Jim was preceded by his parents and sister Barbara (Robison) McLemore and his beloved wife of 58 years, Veronica. Surviving are sons Peter Robison of Barter’s Island and his wife Katherine, Preston Robison of Portland and his partner Rebecca Burns; daughters Christine (Beth) Pellegrini of Cape Elizabeth and her partner Stephen Hensel, Lauren Robison of Bolton MA and her husband Michael Gervais. Jim also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren Alexander Robison, Catherine Pellegrini, Caroline Pellegrini, William Gervais and Olivia Gervais.
The family would like to thank Sedgewood Commons for providing wonderful care to Jim during his final years as he lived with dementia, and to the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House for the exceptional care they provided Jim during his final days.
There will be a private memorial for Jim later in the month. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association; National Headquarters, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Fl 17, Chicago, IL. 60601 or to the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Rd. Scarborough, ME. 04074