James K. "Jim" Robertson Sr.

James K. "Jim" Robertson, Sr., of Millbury and formerly of Auburn, passed away on Monday, September 4, 2023 at St. Vincent Hospital.
He leaves his devoted sons, James K. Robertson, Jr. and wife Angela, of Auburn, and Derek R. Robertson and girlfriend Hannah Oliver, of Woodstock, CT; his loving parents, Richard H. and Leona (Case) Robertson, of Millbury; his grandchildren, Luke and Cameron Robertson, of Auburn, and Milani Ward, of Woodstock, CT; his siblings, Laurie Markiewicz and husband Paul, of North Carolina, and Richard H. Robertson, Jr., of Oxford; along with several nieces and nephews.
Jim was born in Worcester, and raised in Auburn. He attended Auburn High School for a year, then attended and graduated from St. Peter-Marian High School in 1981. Jim also attended New England College, where he studied Marine Biology.
Jim learned to sew on an industrial, double-needle machine at ten years old and worked for his father's business, Bay State Canvas, for many years. Jim took over the company in 1995, which he owned and operated until retiring earlier this year. Bay State Canvas had been in business since 1969 serving Worcester County. Jim's biggest project began in 2016, manufacturing custom seat covers for pontoon boats. It was a massive success and he gained customers from across the country.
In his free time, Jim enjoyed the great outdoors – he loved hunting, camping, bow-and-arrow making, and learning about Native American history. Above all, his family, and especially his sons, were his pride and joy. He would say that he loved his sons "more than life itself." Jim's entire life revolved around his kids, from taking them to the playground, to attending all their games and concerts, to hiking at Purgatory Chasm or camping at Wells State Park with them. Jim was known for his sense of humor and always made everyone laugh. A true family man who will be greatly missed, Jim was one of a kind.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Trustees of Reservations to support the protection and preservation of landscapes and landmarks in Massachusetts.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the Robertson family from 5 – 7 PM on Monday, September 18, 2023 at the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central Street, Auburn.