We celebrate the life of James Merle Robison, who passed away on Easter Sunday, 4/5/2026, at the age of 101.  He requested no funeral and will be laid to rest at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, NE.

James grew up as a poor farm boy during the Great Depression near Pawnee City, NE. He was the youngest of seven children, who remained a close-knit unit for their entire lives. He was educated in the Pawnee City Public Schools and attended Sunday School at the Pawnee City Presbyterian Church.

James voluntarily enlisted in the U.S.  Navy in 1943.  He served predominantly in the Pacific Theater.  He was honorably discharged in late1946.  He volunteered in the Naval Reserves and was called back into active duty in 1950 during the Korean War.

Jim married Bonnie Stewart, another Pawnee City native, in 1950.  They had three daughters, Kathleen Tiede, Jenny Minchow, and Karen Howard.

James completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Nebraska Lincoln, benefiting from the GI Bill Education Benefit.  He taught math and science and later served as Principal and Superintendent in schools across the State of Nebraska, including Plattsmouth, DeWitt, Chappell, Culbertson, Hemingford and Chester/Byron.  In 1969, the family returned to their hometown of Pawnee City. He faithfully served in the role of Superintendent of Pawnee School District from 1969 through 1975.

James and Bonnie retired in 1987 and moved to Lincoln, Nebraska.  They enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren and wintering in the South and Southwest portions of the United States and visiting many historic sites during their travels.

James moved to the Cotner Center in Lincoln, NE in 2003 after Bonnie’s death. He lived there independently until November 2025 when he moved to Tabitha Senior Care Facility.

James was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Bonnie, his parents Fred and Merle Robison, his brothers Arthur Robison and Freddie Robison, and his sisters Virginia Clinton, Gladys Werner, Marguerite Russ, and Ruth Russ, as well as several nieces and nephews.  He is survived by his daughters, Kathleen Tiede, Jenny (Mick) Minchow and Karen Howard, five grandchildren, one great-grandson, nieces and great-nieces.

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