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James Robson Obituary
FOSCOE -- Mr. Robson, age 59, former president and CEO of Altiva Corporation, died in Boone, NC on June 25, 2007, following a long battle with cancer.
Jim was born in Berkeley, California to Lala Smithwick and Major James C. Robson. Jim earned his B.S.B.A degree from Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, and was a member of the A.S.U. varsity soccer team. Later, Jim enrolled in Pepperdine University, Malibu, California, where he received his MBA degree.
He began his career with Becton Dickinson Co. and later moved into the orthopedic/spinal products industry, becoming President of Medtronic Midas Rex, Executive VP/Office of CEO at AcroMed, and held VP positions at both Zimmer and Smith & Nephew.
Jim returned to his alma mater, Appalachian State, as Adjunct Professor in the Walker College of Business, prior to becoming the CEO of Altiva Corporation, based in Charlotte, NC.
Jim is survived by his wife, the former Marsha Hardee; daughter, Yanna Robson Higgins and her husband, husband, John Higgins, of Cincinnati, OH; his sons, Ian of Charleston, SC and Alec Robson of the home; and his beloved granddaughter, Sidney Higgins. He is also survived by his mother, Lala Smithwick Johnson of McLean, VA; and brothers, William of Centreville, VA and Geoffrey Robson of McLean, VA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to one of the following; ASU Foundation, Inc., designated for the James C. Robson III Endowed Scholarship Fund for Business Education and Soccer (828-262-3192), ASU Box 32007, Boone, NC 28608; or Watauga County Hospice (828-265-3296), Boone, NC.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, June 28, at the Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Valle Crucis, NC. Burial will follow in the church cemetery and the family will receive guests from 6:00 - 8:00 PM on Wednesday, June 27, and again on from 12:00 PM to the service hour on Thursday, June 28, at Skiles Hall, Holy Cross Episcopal Church, Valle Crucis, NC.
Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland is serving the Robson family, 828-733-2121.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Robson
Sponsored by NO SPONSOR.
Jay Hackenbracht
July 29, 2012
It was a special privilege to have known and worked with you. You live on in the lives you touched like mine.
Jay Hackenbracht
June 16, 2012
Dear Marsha and Robson Family:
I was so saddened to find, just now, the news of Jim's passing in 2007. I think of him often. He showed us great leadership when I worked with him as a Field Marketing Specialist at Zimmer Patient Care. He was a true friend and excellent mentor.
Please know that his contribution in this life lives on, as his passion and example has been a source of inspiration to me and many others.
He would have been an excellent father. With tomorrow being Father's Day, I am reminded of my own Dad, and am including a copy of the Tribute I presented him on his last Father's Day, in 2009.
Know that Jim is greatly missed.
Henry Fletcher
August 7, 2007
Jim-you taught me a lot about myself, life and business, starting at Zimmer-Hall Surgical in the late 80's continuing on through various phases of my life and career.
I hope you are in a better, peacful place now and will miss you! Thanks for being my friend and mentor.
-Henry Fletcher
John Engelhardt
July 9, 2007
To the Robsons,
I deeply regret not being able to attend Jim's service to pay tribute to him and to support all of you.
Like so many people, I am honored to have called him my friend. I was able to tell him in his final days, that he wouldn't die, that he would live on in all of us who he inspired. That we would carry his example and legacy with us and try to inspire others the same way.
I will not think of him and be sad because he died. I will think of him and feel happy because he lived, and privileged to have known him.
Chuck Birchall, Jr.
July 3, 2007
Dear Robson Family,
My family & I just returned from vacation when I found out about Jim passing away. In our last conversation, Jim mentioned that he was going to have bagpipes at his funeral...sorry for not being there for you.
Jim was a great leader and mentor that I have tried to emulate in my career. While Jim was tough and expected a lot from everyone, including himself, he NEVER turned down any of my requests to take time off for my family. He let me put my family before my career.
I remember when Marsha, Alec, & Ian joined him on a business trip years ago to Bermuda. Jim, Alec, Ian, & I went on a deep sea fishing trip. Jim smiled & was proud of his two sons because they were able to hang in there when the sea was rough & they were not feeling well (I think Alec lost his hat leaning over the railing). Jim offered both of them the chance to head back in, but they said no. When we returned, we gave the fish to the chef. That evening, Marsha, Jim, the boys, and I had them for dinner...it is one of my favorite memories of Jim...
You are in our prayers.
Jim Johnson
July 2, 2007
The world is a better place as a result of Jim’s being here. His wonderful legacy is equaled only by the family he left behind. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Marsha, Yanna, Ian, Alec, John and Sidney, and to his brothers (Geoff and Bill) and of course, his mother (Lala). Jim Johnson
Sherry Merritt Caviness
June 29, 2007
Dear Marsha,
I'm so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. Please know that you're in my thoughts and prayers.
Brenton Purcell
June 29, 2007
Mr. Robson,
I am very appreciative of the few times we spent together over the years. I was very moved by the words the pastor and your brother spoke of you. You are a great soul and a role model for your sons and daughter. In times like these, instead of mourning the cycle of life, I am going to celebrate the way you lived... Free...
With Much Respect,
Brenton Tyler Purcell
P.S. I will never forget to plant "the seed"
Jack and Gloria Whiteley
June 28, 2007
We are going to miss Jim greatly. He had a long and tough battle but is now at peace. We love you all,
Jack and Gloria
Robert and Mary Kapitan
June 27, 2007
To the Robson Family
Our sympathy to you during this
very sad time. Please be assured
of our prayers for you and for
Mr.Robson.
Chip Stevens
June 27, 2007
Sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was a warrior.
With deepest sympathies,
Margaret Shelton
June 27, 2007
Ian and Family,
We are thinking of you at this time of your great loss.
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