Jim Robison

Jim E. Robison passed away on August 4, 2011 at Providence Alaska Medical Center after a valiant battle with mesotheleoma. He was surrounded by family and friends sharing their love, stories, laughs and tears. A service honoring his life will be held Saturday, August 13, 2011, at 2:00 p.m., at Community Covenant Church, 16123 Artillery Rd., Eagle River, AK,

Jim was born in McPherson, Kansas, February 4, 1930, the third of four sons to Thomas and Alberta Robison. He moved to Alaska with his family in 1947. Jim served his country in the military as a member of the US Army.

In March of 2011 Jim was reappointed by Governor Parnell, to a third five-year term as a Commissioner on the Alaska Workers Compensation Appeals Commission. Jim was serving in this capacity at the time of his death.

Jim joined the Laborers Union in 1949 and was proud of his longevity with Local 341. His work during the formative years of collective bargaining in Alaska provided the foundation for many of the contracts that protect the rights and conditions of workers today. In his early days Jim worked in the ditch laying the sewer and water lines throughout Anchorage. (If you use water in Anchorage-thank Jim!) Jim's leadership qualities became apparent early in his career and catapulted him into many leadership roles in his life. Jim's incredible optimism, sharp mind, and personal courage led him to serve as Commissioner of Labor for State of Alaska, Alaska Workers Compensation Board, President Alaska AFL-CIO, Lobbyist, Business Manager Laborers Local 341, co-founder of Polar Little League, and the list goes on. A highlight in his life was receiving the Robert A McFarland Award for a Lifetime of Service to the Labor Movement presented by both the Alaska and National AFL-CIO.

Jim not only advocated and supported working Alaskans but was generous with his time volunteering for worthy causes, including over 10 years at the State of Alaska, District Attorney's Office. He worked on political campaigns and headed up fund raising activities for various community service organizations.

Jim married the love of his life, Carolyn in 1980 which began the greatest of love stories. His family remarked "seeing them together reminded them of what true love looks like". Jim was known for his integrity and steadying influence in encouraging his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews to work hard and follow their dreams. Jim's gift to those he loved was living with grace and joy under the most difficult of circumstances. We will miss his guidance, wisdom and incredible work ethic.

Jim loved playing golf and instilled that love of the sport to the next generation. Jim considered his life a wonderful adventure. He was a man of strong faith in God. We know that when he reached the gates of Heaven he was welcomed with open arms and the assurance of a life well lived. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he loved and in those that he inspired along the way.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Douglas and Harry. He is survived by his wife Carolyn, mother-in-law, Dolores Tompkins of Fruita, CO, brother George (wife Christa) Robison of Hemet, CA, sister-in-law Peggy Robison of CA, sister-in-law Laura Stewart of Fairbanks, brother-in-law, Steve Thompson of Fairbanks, children Randi, Ronda (husband Mark), Dale, Duane (wife Calee), Kevin (Aileta's children Sean and Braydon). Carolyn's children Michele Steinke (husband Robert) of Anchorage, Philip Summers (wife Ashley) of Denver, CO, grand children Tierney and Cierra Steinke, Storey Summers, Neil Robison, Julie (husband Jared) Calcote, Ryan Weldin, Scott (wife Lauralynn) and Kyle Robison.

The family expresses their gratitude to Dr. Liu, his associates and staff at Alaska Oncology and to the staff at Providence Alaska Medical Center for their compassion and care during Jim's battle with mesotheleoma. Thanks also to Laborers Local 341, Appeals Commission co-workers, Community Covenant Church, RurAL CAP co-workers and the many family and friends that helped us in so many ways during this most difficult of journeys.

Jim requested donations be made to Laborers Local 341 Scholarship and Charitable Fund, 2501 Commercial Dr., Anchorage 99501 or Community Covenant Church, Community Cares Fund, 16123 Artillery Rd., Eagle River, AK 99577