Jim Robertson

Hardworking, humble and strong, Jim Robertson lived a life rich in family and faith. A man who embodied the principles of his faith, Jim showed others, by his example, how to lean into the Lord. He firmly believed that "If you don't like something, change it," and his gentle strength lovingly enveloped and inspired those he loved. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, Jim will long be remembered by those he loved.

Jim was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania on September 30, 1940 to Meredith and Vera (Schwing) Robertson. Growing up in Johnstown, Jim learned the value of hard work at a young age and honed his work ethic with a paper route which required hiking up and down a very long, steep Pennsylvania street to deliver the daily paper on time.

At 21, Jim joined the United States Marine Corps because he wanted the challenge. He proudly served his country for four and a half hears, including guarding the American Embassy in an uprising in the Dominican Republic in 1965. The bedrock of the Marine Corps values and beliefs, Honor, Courage, and Commitment, proved a firm foundation upon which Jim built his life. Once a Marine, always a Marine. Semper Fi!!

Jim married his best friend, Pam on March 13, 1971. They were blessed to welcome two children into their family, Kim and Matt, who became the centers of their world. A loving father who was both gentle and strong, he was a dad with a quick wit, wonderful sense of humor and unwavering faith. He was an encourager to his kids and loved to hear about any of their new endeavors.

Jim had a 20 year career as the produce manager at Family Foods. He also served as produce manager at Hardings and later worked in the produce department at Meijer.

Jim was a busy "get up and go" kind of guy. He was a helper, from fixing things around his kid's homes, to snow blowing neighbors driveways, to being involved in service projects at church, to greeting everyone at the door before the church service, to baking Christmas cookies for his neighbors, or serving Sunday supper at the Gospel Mission - he touched many people in many ways throughout his life.

Jim loved to work in his yard and get his hands in the dirt. He meticulously planned and tended to his yard for the entire neighborhood to enjoy. He loved all nature - flowers, trees, water, sunsets - and appreciated all that God has created. Jim loved Christmas and Christmas lights. His yard became a must-see drive by for his displays and he would start decorating his man-cave in November with Christmas villages and decorations.

During his leisure time, Jim explored a passion for art. He enjoyed working in pastels, walking around the Kalamazoo Art Hop events and other local art shows to gain inspiration for his work. Also after retiring in 2000, he purchased his first Harley Davidson motorcycle. He loved his motorcycle and enjoyed local rides around the area. Jim and Pam loved to drive to Shipshewana to walk through the shops and look for yard sculptures or travel to Ludington for the beauty of the area and the simple pleasure of an ice cream cone.

Jim loved the Lord and was an active member of Radiant Church. He loved singing the praise and worship songs in a large group - the louder the better - with hands lifted high!!

Whether enjoying times with family, hanging out with his latest canine companion, listening to music, digging in the dirt, waxing his truck or celebrating his faith, Jim embraced each moment with gratitude. In doing so, he proved a powerful role model for all who were blessed to know him. While his loving presence will be missed greatly, his legacy will long live in the hearts and lives of those he knew and loved. He would tell everyone today, to work hard, be kind and love the Lord with all your heart.

James Meredith Robertson, age 79, of Portage, went home to Jesus on Thursday, May 28, 2020, with his family by his side. Members of his family include his wife Pam and his 2 children: Kim (Kosta) Sevastopoulos, Matt (Bianca) Robertson, his 2 grandchildren: Colin Kovach, Maddie Robertson, 2 sisters: Maryann (Bill) Faint, Diane (Frank) Harrison, and was preceded in death by a brother Dennis Robertson. Private services and graveside services will take place. Please visit Jim's personal web page at www.BetzlerLifeStory.com, where you can read his life story, archive a favorite memory or photo and sign his online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to Radiant Church.