Obituary of James S. Robson

James Sanford Robson, 84, of Landing, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at his home away from home in Downingtown, Pa on Wednesday, September 7, 2011. His faithful canine companion, Bella, was by his side as he slipped from the bonds of his earthly body. He was the husband of the late Gloria Robson (nee Current), with whom he shared 55 years of marriage. Born in Revere, Massachusetts on February 9, 1927, he was the son of Margaret (nee Malsbenden) and James Robson, both deceased. Prior to his retirement, he worked as a Highway Transport Engineer and later as a courier for Alliance Labs. He achieved recognition for his spotless driving record with Chemical Leman after 100,000 miles accident free. He estimated he drove well over a million miles in his lifetime. Jim, along with his 2 best friends, enlisted in the Navy during WWII. He served as a member of the Armed Guard and was honored with numerous medals in recognition of his service. He was touched and humbled by the outpouring of thanks from strangers, when in 2005, he was able to visit the memorial for veterans of WWII in Washington, DC. Jim's love of sports, particularly the Red Sox, was honed during his childhood in Massachusetts. He vividly recalled attending his first ball game in Fenway Park at the tender age of 8 years old. His dedication to the Red Sox never wavered during his lifetime. He proudly and some would say, at great peril, wore his Red Sox baseball cap deep in the heart of Yankee territory. He enjoyed busting chops with fans of opposing teams as well as meeting fellow fans of the Red Sox everywhere he went. In retirement, he became the personal family historian. He embarked on two trips to Nova Scotia to further pursue research into his family tree and, delighted in sharing his discoveries with far flung branches of the Robson clan. A favorite pastime was visiting friends at his two top social clubs, Pathmark of Landing, NJ and Acme Supermarket of Chester Springs, Pa. Jim was team captain of, Jim's Family Affair, in a local bowling league. He devoted a great deal of time to the care of his four-legged family members. He was a vocal advocate for animal rescue dogs. Jim is survived by six daughters, Sheryl McMillan of Kenvil, Kim Fitzgerald (Patrick) of Downingtown, Pa, Stacey Dellavecchia (Matthew) of Roxbury Township, Joanne Bixby (Edgar) of Landing, Lisa Robson of Dover, and Karen Timpani (Raymond) of Randolph; ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Gloria in 2009, son James, in 1993, his son-in-law, William McMillan in 2008, siblings, Joan Ballassi and Carolyn Healey and his nephew, Richard Healey.