James “Jim” Robinson passed away early Saturday morning, February 2, 2013, surrounded by his ‘girls’, after a battle with kidney cancer.
James was born on January 17, 1953, in Charles City, Iowa, the oldest of four children born to Marvin and Pat (Tometich) Robinson.
The Robinson family moved to Opiem, and in 1963 they settled in Wibaux, MT. Jim excelled in sports, in 1971 he was drafted to the Kansas City Royal, but could not follow through because of a knee injury his senior year.
Jim moved to Bozeman in 1972 where he met his first wife, now Joyce (Bradford) Walker and they were blessed with a daughter, Kate (Robinson) Stewart. He moved to California in 1986 for several years where he excelled even more in his love for the car dealer industry.
He moved back to Montana in 1990 and ended up settling in Miles City, MT, in 1994, where he met his beautiful wife, Mary (Lala) Robinson. In 2000 he adopted Mary’s daughter Andrea (Matthews) Robinson, who he raised as his own.
Jim ran the Montana Independent Auto Dealers Association for 16 years, it was his ‘baby’. In 2005 he was named the National Independent Auto Dealers Association executive of the Year. He knew the car business like the back of his hand, meeting many friends along the way. He loved to fish, hunt and golf. You could always find Jim early every morning walking the first nine holes. He also loved spending time with his beloved dog ‘Jake’.
Jim was a devoted husband and father who always put his family first. Jim was blessed with two grandchildren within sevens months of each other, Kameron James Stewart and G’Niya Ashley Linwood, both were his whole world. He loved to spend as much time as he could with them, reading, playing, teaching and just having fun.
He is survived by his wife Mary Robinson, his two daughters, Andrea Robinson of Billings, MT, and Kate (Kelly) Stewart of Miles City, MT; grandchildren Kameron Stewart, and G’Niya Linwood; Grandmother, Dorothy Fossum of Opheim, MT; mother Pat Robinson of Wibaux, MT; mother in law, Loretta Lala of Miles City, MT; three sisters, LeAnne (Jim) Sarver of Sandy, UT, Lori Robinson of Helena, MT, and Julie Pinnow of Kennewick, WA; three Brother in Laws, Gator Pinnow of Wibaux, MT, Ron Lala of Bozeman, Tom (Wilma Estey) Lala of Prosser, WA; Sister in law Connie Schaefer of Miles City, MT; five nieces, Julie Dustin of FL, Mary Schaefer of Miles City, MT, Sari Pasma of Butte, MT, Kate (Jake) Devine of Helena, MT, Jaycie Pinnow of Kennewick, WA; three nephews, Jade Sarver of Sandy, UT, Edmund Schaefer of Miles City, MT, and Jared Pasma of Helena, MT; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Robinson, father in law, Roman Lala, grandparents, Pete and Marvel Tometich, grandfather Orrin Fossum and niece Aubrey Pinnow.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Custer County Cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Should friend’s desire memorials can be made to Wake Up & Lace Up foundation at 107 Balsam Dr., Miles City, MT 59301 Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday February 6, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday February 6, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Thursday February 7, 2013
Trinity Lutheran Church
221 S. Center
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday February 6, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday February 6, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Thursday February 7, 2013
Trinity Lutheran Church
221 S. Center
Miles City, MT 59301
Curt and Cathy Fleming says
please accept our condolences on your loss. He will be missed.
Larry and Sally Phalen says
Hi Lori and family,
Sorry to hear of Jim’s home going, but we can rejoice in his destination. A courageous battle was fought by all. We love you and stand by you during this time of grief.
Penny Hart says
Lori, and the Robinson’s,
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing, he was a great man and will truely be missed, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love Penny and Randy
Julie Axelberg says
So saddened to learn of your loss Mary. My heartfelt sympathies to you and all of your family.
David and Danette Olguin says
Mary and family I am so sorry to hear of Jims passing. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers and let your faith guide you through this difficult time.
Janet Klein says
Mary, I am so saddened by your loss of Jim! May all the good memories that you made with him sustain you through this most difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time…hugs to you!!!
Roy and Ellie Schaefer says
Mary and family so sorry to hear of your loss our thoughts are with you.
Rich and Bunny Nunberg says
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Jim. We had a lot of fun with him in the “old days”, and always enjoyed visiting with him. We will miss seeing his smiling face. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Keith & Barb Hoover says
Mary and family,
Our hearts are with you all. May you find comfort knowing we will see him again. Love You All
Barb
Barb Ashley says
Mary and family,
So very sorry for your loss, prayers go out to you and your family.
Jim Mitchell says
I will miss my friend Jim Robinson but I have several good memories of the times that I had talking to him and playing golf with him. As his suffering has ended and he enters everlasting life with our Lord Jesus Christ Ihe will be missed ………………but never forgotten. All my prayers and deepest sympathiy go out to his wonderful family.
Linda & Gene Life says
Love and condolences to this wonderful family who have been so special to us for the last 15 years. Jim will always be with you as you share all the wonderful memories you have made through the years. We are all so lucky to have known him. His smile was so little boy like and the sparkle in his eyes when he smiled would always make a person feel better. He will live in our hearts forever. Hugs, prayers & love to you all!!
I’m so sorry he didn’t get to come to Minnesota as we had planned so he could catch a big Walleye with us .
Mike & Tammy Cozzens says
Sorry to here of Jims passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jean Jones says
Mary I am so very sorry to hear of Jims passing,You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers ,
Ruth Hagan says
Mary, I am so very sorry to hear of Jims passing My thought and prayers to you and family Ruth Hagan.
Paula (Hartse) Hufford says
Thinking of you, Mary, on the loss of your husband, Jim. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Bernie Braden says
Dear Robinson Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. So sad to lose a great part of your lives and all our lives growing up in Wibaux together. I will always remember Jim’s wonderful laugh and beautiful voice.
My deepest sympathies.
Jim Lindstrom says
Dear Robinson’s,
I was saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. Please accept my most sincere condolences. I have such wonderful memories of the devilment that Jim and Rudy used to get into – all the way back into Junior High. I hope you are sustained by your memories of Jim’s laughter and sense of humor.
Terri Newby says
Mary and family
May God wrap his loving and merciful arms around all of you as you struggle with your loss. With deepest sympathies…
Steve Young says
Mary, please accept my sincere condolences. I was one of Jim’s friends from the old days in Bozeman. We went fishing at Hebgen Lake and hunting in Wibaux. We also drank a few beers together and played a lot pf pinochle. Even though we lost touch over the years i have these fond memories. I’ll always remember his great smile and he always had a twinkle in his eye. He was a great man and will be sorely missed. Again, i am very sorry for your loss.
Brian and Sharlene Wallace says
I’m so sorry to hear if your loss Mary. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. Lots of live to you.
Brian and Sharlene Wallace says
I’m so sorry to hear if your loss Mary. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. Lots of love to you.
Massachusetts Independent Auto Dealers Association says
On behalf of our entire association, we express our sincerest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Cindy and Dale Berg says
Mary and family,
We were so sorry to hear about Jim. He fought so hard. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and through the difficult days ahead. He is as peace now. God bless you all.
Jim & Cathy Bastian says
We are so sorry! You are all in our thoughts and prayers, the Lord will carry you as you go thru this hard time. Hold tight to one another—that’s where lots of comfort comes from. Love Jim & Cathy
Mike Linn, NIADA says
Mary and family,
My condolences go out to the entire family. Jim was a part of the NIADA family for many years and we will all miss him very much.
Lisette Mariner (Florida IADA) says
I only met Jim on two occasions and he was so kind and helpful to me. I will treasure that I got to meet him. May he rest peacefully now and God bless his family.
Rick And Mary Ernst says
Pat, Mary and the entire Robinson family,
Our deepest sympathy for your loss, Jim was an outstanding friend to so many here in Wibaux, always had a cheerful disposition and left you smiling when he left. Always remember the good times and good memories! God bless you and will keep you in our prayers!
Cathi Peila says
Our love and sympathy to all ot the family. We pray that the Lord surround you and comfort you in your loss when words are so insufficient.
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
Mary and Family, Our condolences on your loss of Jim. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Ray and Terri (Jardine) Schmidt says
We are so sorry, Mary and family, to learn of Jim’s passing. Please know you are in our hearts and thoughts during this difficult time. We wish there was something we could say to ease your burden but please know you are in the hearts of so many people who know you and your family.
Gregg and Vicki Glueckert says
Mary-
I am so sorry about Jim. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Vicki and Gregg Glueckert
Marla (Shook) Hoff says
Mary & family-
I am so sad about Jim. After reading all the notes on this site, I wish I had known him better but distance didn’t allow that. I do know he made you happy and as my cousin… I am glad. You will all be in my thoughts this week and I will say extra parayers for you and your families and also Aunt Loretta. Love to all
Marla
Pam & Karl Rogge says
Mary & family – our condolences on Jim’s passing. You have been in our thoughts and prayers.
Merry and Armando DeAnda says
Mary and family, please accept our sincere condolences. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Carmen Jablinske Knutson says
Mary- So very sorry to hear of your loss. Cherish your memories! Hugs to you and your family. Take care.
Cathy Hall Emerson says
Mary and family: I am sorry to hear of your loss. Even though it hurts you know someday you’ll see him again. Hugs to you.
Ruben and June Opp says
Mary and all of your family We were so sorry to hear of the passing of your loved one.
you are all in our prayers and thoughts during this difficult time and the days ahead.
God bless and comfort you all.
June and Ruben Opp
MARK AND LINDA STEFFES says
TO THE ROBINSONS, OUR MEMORIES OF THE TIMES WE HAD TOGETHER WILL NEVER BE
FORGOTTEN. WE PERSONALLY THANK JIM FOR THE ENDLESS HOURS HE SPENT SUPPORTING THE USED AUTO INDUSTRY IN MONTANA. OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH ,
YOU,YOU HAVE TRULY BEEN A STRONG FAMILY THROUGH THIS ORDEAL
MARK AND LINDA STEFFES
Kendra (Klein) Benner says
Mary and Family,
I am so sorry for this loss. I wish there were words that could lessen your grief, but I know that only time can do that. I am sending you my love and prayers.
Love, Kendra
Gene and Dana (Dikoff) Bischke says
You are in our hearts and thoughts; sending our love and prayers.
Doran & Sharon Higgins says
Our hearts go out to you at this time. Doran knew Jim and had fond memories of their association but I only met him at Cayden’s funeral. He was so caring to me. But, my boys, Dick and Courtney both held him in the highest esteem. He was a mentor to both in their careers–one that will live on with Courtney all his life. God Bless you.
Lisa Bastian says
Mary & Family,
Know of my thoughts and prayers for the comfort of your hearts. God Bless You & Your Family.
Bruce Eklund says
Mary, Girls and family I am so sorry for your loss and know that Jim did get his wings. Your
family did show God’s love for us all. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build up each other.
Brad Thompson says
Jim and I lived together in 1990 when he moved to Billings from California. I can still hear him say, Well of course he did. We had some great conversations and laughs! I will miss him alot!!!! Brad Thompson.
Brenda and Michael Huston says
Pat and family,
We are so sad to hear of Jim’s passing.
He was so talented in sports and academics . I have very fond memories of him while growing up.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Brian Bechtold says
To the Robinson family,
I’m so sorry to read of Jim’s passing. We played Legion baseball together in Baker. He was a great athlete and friend. I know you will miss him deeply.
Owen E. Jones says
Jim and I were classmates , teammates and friends through grade school, junior high and into high school in Wibaux. He was a great guy and a great athlete who carried the rest of us. Jim was such a blessing while we had him with us and my most heartfelt condolences go to his family. We’ve all lost a wonderful person.
Debbie Weyer says
My deepest condolences to the Robinson family. Jim always said hi to Bobbie & I whenever we saw him in Wibaux. He is now at peace with our lord & no longer suffering from the cancer.
Nancy Chapman says
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness-” Isaiah 61:10
Hugs,
Nancy & Bruce Chapman
Rob and Sherri Schneidt says
Mary,
We are so sorry for your loss. Hold on to those great memories as they will help you through this difficult time. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Marissa Morford says
Jim was like a second father to me through highschool. He was such a easy going and charming guy to be around. All smiles and joy; I don’t think I ever saw him too angry or upset. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you Mary, Kate and Andrea.
Brenda Johnson says
I deeply regret the passing of Mr. Robinson. Death casts a shadow over you as you go about your daily life. Your love one’s death brings you face-to-face with the fact that he is gone too soon. While you call to mind the love you have for him, you may also remember the enormity of the loss. But, “Do not let your hearts be troubled”. (John 14:27) there will be a time when there will be no more sorrow. There will be a time when you can say, “Death where is your sting where is your victory”. (1 Cor. 15:55)
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” ~ Unknown
Julie says
Uncle Jim,
I will miss you more than words can say… Tyler and I wish we lived closer to have more memories with you and the family… It’s really hard to understand that you will not be there this summer when we come home… I am so glad we got to see you last summer… Even the short visits we had, meant so much and were very cherished… I know you are in a better place and looking down on all of us… The only positive I see out of this, is Tyler and I have another Angel looking over us…
I love you and will miss you immensely… R.I.P…
Love, Julie & Tyler
Kevin & Susan Hom says
Mary and family,
We saddened to learn of Jim’s passing. You are in our prayers and thoughts.
Sue and Jerry O'Daniel says
Mary, Andrea and all – so sorry we can’t be there for Jim’s funeral. Had to go to Billings to bring Jerry back from the hospital following surgery. Know that you are in our prayers for strength and we are there in spirit. Love to all – Sue and Jerry O
Matt Smith says
So sorry for your loss, he was a good man.
Ione and Dave says
I talked to Charlene today and she told me the sad news. So very sorry . Love and prayers onie
Wiley & Mary Snell says
Mary & Family:
Our thoughts & prayers go out to you. Praying you find comfort in the Lord, as He will carry you through the struggles & sorrows of your loss.
Kay Carlson says
Mary and family,
My deepest sympathies. Keeping you in my heart and prayers.
Cindy and Kelly Conley says
Mary and family – we are so sorry for your loss. We have you in our thoughts and prayers.
Brad Herzog says
Jim,
Thank you for always being so friendly to me. When I would Visit Miles City you always made time to say hello & how have you been doing. I will always remember your deep voice, the way you laughed, your candor, and all your memories/stories about the Bozeman, Montana backcountry; 4X4-ing & more..!
I send entire family my deepest condolences & Strength to appreciate the very special person Jim really was.
Kindest regards,
-Brad Herzog
Anchorage, Alaska.
Cindy St.John-Garcia says
So very sorry to hear Jim passed away, I knew him growing up in Opheim. You are all in our prayers at this sad time. God bless you with strength and faith.
Curtis & Marilyn Dikoff says
When I heard the Jim was sick it took me some time to locate his number but when I finally called I heard him say that he was doing some better. A load was lifted from my mind but I failed to call him back or keep track of his illness. I regret that very very very much.
I remember staying at the Robinson home as a naive Jr. high kid. They received me into their home. I remember at least one picture that Erik A., Jim and I took with our football jerseys in the freshman year of high school, we were proud to be Longhorns. In the few years that we ran together I always had fun with Jim. Then I moved away to Medina, ND and to a different life; but I will never forget him or his family.
Thanks for the memories Jim. Thanks to your family as well; please accept our deepest heartfelt sympathies. I will ask God to help you during your process of grieving. The loss is to big to carry alone.
Nita Clements & The Regalado Family says
Mary and Family,
Mom informed me of your husband passing and even though I didn’t know him I am sorry for your loss.
Tracee Raymond & family says
Mary and Family,
I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your husband. In time you will come to peace with it knowing he is in a much better place and has no more pain. If there is anything I can do to help please let me know. My deepest sympathies are with all of you. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Maureen O'Reilly says
Mary – My thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family at this sad time. Remember and be thankful for all the good times the two of you shared. With sympathy – Maureen
Trevor and Donna Mae Huss says
Kate and family,
We are deeply saddened to hear of your dad’s passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May all your wonderful memories help get you through this difficult time.
God Bless,
Trevor and Donna Mae