Family Log-In

Click Here

Robinson, James Murray
(Lt Col RCAF ret’d. P. Eng.)
It is with heartfelt sadness that the family of Jim wishes to advise of his passing on Friday, October 13, 2017 in his 77th year. Jim is survived by his brother Neil (Christine), Pembroke ON and his sister Sheila Penner (Larry), Calgary AB. He is predeceased by his parents, James and Hazel (Mahon) Robinson and his nephew Chad Penner. He is survived by several nieces and nephews. Jim grew up in Regina Sask. and was raised in a pseudo-military environment as his father was a forensic investigator in the RCMP. After obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan he joined the RCAF. He quickly advanced through the ranks and became the youngest person to achieve the rank of Major. In 1973 he became the Commanding Officer for the 43RD 1R Sqn., Penhold Alberta. Throughout his career he had many interesting assignments which took him to Japan, Peru, France, London and the USA. One of the highlights of his career was a private dinner with Prince Albert at the palace in Monaco. Jim Robinson is one of Canada’s unsung heros as he brought forward and then served as the Project Manager for SARSAT-the North and South American Search and Rescue Satellite System. This system is still in place and is instrumental in search and rescue and emergency response. A man of varied interests, jim was a proficient skier, horseman and marksman. He also had a master level certificate for square-dancing and was an avid fan of jazz and show tunes. In retirement he devoted his time to genealogy with a focus on finding out everything he could related to his family ancestry. He served as President of the Ottawa Genealogy Club and proved to be an expert researcher. On Jim’s instructions cremation has taken place and there will not be a memorial. Those who knew Jim are encouraged to make a donation to Parkinson’s Canada or the Alzheimer Society of Canada. Arrangements in care of the MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, Pembroke.