James A. Robison

James Alanson Robison, 81

Novato, CA - James Alanson Robison, 81,died suddenly February 4, 2007 at his home in Novato, CA. Born on June 20, 1925 in Newport, RI, was son of the late Ellis H. and Doris Burgess Robison. After spending most of his life in the Northeast, he and Betty moved to California in 1996 for a warmer climate.

Jim attended Averill Park High School and graduated from New York Military Academy at Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY, attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and graduated from the University of Buffalo with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. After graduation, he was in sales of mutual funds and worked for the Heinz Company in Buffalo before joining his father's company in Troy as Sales Manager of John L. Thompson Sons and Co. Wholesale Drugs, later becoming President until his retirement in 1986 when the company was sold.

He was a pilot in the Naval Air Corp during World War II.

Jim was a prominent figure in the community and admired for his astute awareness of the financial health of all the organizations in which he was associated. Board memberships and activities include director and past Treasurer of the Samaritan Hospital, director of Eddy Memorial, Vanderheyden Hall, Pharmacy Service Corporation of New York and trustee of Russell Sage College. He was also a member of the Rensselaer Council of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the Advisory Board of Norstar Bank Troy Branch, the Averill Park School Board, a past member of The Troy Club and President of The Doris B. and Ellis H. Robison Foundation. He was an avid gardener and mentor to all that knew him.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife Betty Vanderbilt Robison, their three sons, David V. (Adriane) of Darien, CT, James A. Jr. (Lisbeth) of Mill Valley, CA and Robert of San Diego, CA; his siblings, Barbara (Joseph) Stegmaier, of Cincinnati, OH, Richard G. (Ellen) Robison of Troy and Elissa (Harry) Prout of Troy; three grandchildren, Stephanie (Adam) Hedspeth of Apex, NC, Laura (Chris) Johnson of Cary, NC and James III of Mill Valley, CA and three great-grandchildren, Cole Hedspeth and Devin and Miles Johnson and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Northeast Health Foundation 2224 Burdett Avenue Troy, NY 12180 or Vanderheyden Hall Memorial Fund PO Box 219 Wynantskill, NY 12198. For a private family guest book, visit www.brycefh.com .

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