James K Robison

James Kelsey Robison II, known to all as "Jim," passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 26, 2025, at Brookdale Trillium Crossing in Columbus, Ohio, just shy of his 96th birthday. Jim lived a long, remarkable life defined by family, service, and a hard-working spirit in both the corporate and public sectors while paving a new pathway for his family.

Jim was born in Detroit, Michigan. Following his service in the United States Marine Corps, he attended Michigan State University, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Package Engineering in 1956, starting a new path despite a well-known family legacy in chemistry. He furthered his education by earning an MBA from the University of Buffalo while raising his growing family.

His early career was marked by innovation. After beginning with Square D in Cedar Rapids, IA, Jim moved to Rochester, NY, to join Haloid Xerox (later Xerox Corp). As a Package Engineer, he holds the distinction of having designed the delivery packaging for the very first office photocopying machines, ensuring the successful rollout of an invention that would change the world of business.

In 1969, Jim and his family settled in Columbus, Ohio, where he pursued management positions and also started a few of his own small businesses. In 1973, he dedicated himself to public service, transitioning from corporate management to education. He served as a Business Manager for the Columbus City Schools from 1973 until his retirement in 1998. He also shared his business knowledge as an adjunct faculty member at Franklin University (now Columbus State).

Although living in deep Buckeye territory, Jim remained a lifelong MSU Spartan supporter. He was the anchor of his family's celebrations and was known for preparing the turkey and stuffing that everyone looked forward to at every family gathering.

Jim was preceded in death just weeks prior by his beloved wife of 71 years, Donna Jean Pogorzelski Robison, a loss that left a profound mark. He was also preceded in death by his parents, James Kelsey Robison I and Kathryn Harriet (Nixon) Robison, his brother in-law Joseph Czapski and sister in-law Penelope Madsen.

His legacy lives on through his six loving children: Kathryn Robison Adamovics (John); Patricia Brewer; Karen Ely (Mark); James Robison III (Sally); Mary Della Flora (Joe) and Nancy Lynch (Tom). Jim was a cherished grandfather to nine grandchildren: Andy Adamovics, Nick Ely (Ying), Taryn Ely, Angela Della Flora, Maria Della Flora (Tony), Alex Della Flora (Heather), Joe Lynch, Jack Lynch, and Julia Lynch. He was also blessed with four great-grandchildren: Vivian, Stella Rae, Anthony, and Joseph James (JJ) Gjergji.

Visitation will be from 4pm to 7pm on Friday, December 12, 2025 at Schoedinger Worthington, 6699 N High Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1030am on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at the Resurrection Cemetery Chapel, 9571 N High Street, Lewis Center. Following the burial, the family will be hosting a luncheon at J. Liu Restaurant at 11:30 AM at 6880 N High St in Worthington, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to Luminary Hospice.