James Milton Robertson, Jr.

James Milton (Jim) Robertson, Jr. , age 81, passed into glory on April 6, 2026 at his home in Madison, Alabama. He was born June 19, 1944 in Helena, Arkansas to James Milton (Robby) Robertson, Sr. and Alberta Marie (Newkirk) Robertson.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Michiko of 57 years, a brother Jerome at a young age and a sister Judy Glazier of Edmond, Oklahoma. He is survived by his brother John Layton (Jack) Robertson of Colorado Springs, Colorado and a sister and brother-in-law, Janice Lynn Howerton and husband Ronnie of Mountain Home, Arkansas. He is also survived by a daughter and son-in-law Michelle Benton and husband Robert, and their children DeLee, Zachary, Emiko, Hannah, Joelle, and Evangeline; and a son and daughter-in-law, Jerry Robertson and wife Fran with their children Lily, Julian, Josie, and Jude.

His early years were spent in West Helena, AR where his father was employed as a crop duster pilot following his discharge from the Air Corps. As a young man his family relocated to Dumas, Arkansas. Jim graduated from Dumas High School in 1962 and enrolled at the University of Arkansas from which he graduated while gaining his ROTC Commission as a Second Lieutenant in the USAF.

Jim met and married Michiko while he was stationed at Nakagami AFB in Japan. They moved back to England AFB in Louisiana, where he retired from active duty. Jim received his PhD at Northwestern State University and then moved to Baton Rouge to work at the State Dept. of Education for several years. The family moved again in 1988 to Little Rock, Arkansas to work with the Federal Migrant Education program. During his years working in education, Jim spent time in the Air Force Reserves as a weather officer for the Hurricane Hunters. After retiring in 1992 as a Lieutenant Colonel, Jim went back to education, this time in the classroom. He and Michiko moved back to Japan, where he taught science and math in the DOD system in Iwakuni and Misawa. They enjoyed touring the countryside and visiting Michiko's family on the weekends.

In 2010, Jim and Michiko moved to Huntsville, Alabama where their daughter lived. They spent many miles going back and forth to Louisiana to visit with both sets of grandchildren. It was still much closer than Japan! As Michiko's health became progressively worse, Jim demonstrated his love for her in his care and commitment. He was a great example of service and keeping marriage vows through sickness and in health. He also served his community through volunteering at The Green Barn, where he made many friends with the dogs and their families.

As his wish was to be cremated and laid to rest by his wife, we will have a memorial service on Saturday, April 25th at 3:00 pm at Legacy Chapel. Friends and family may visit from 2:00 pm until the time of the service at Legacy Chapel, 16 Hughes Road, Madison AL 35758.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of the Valley, PO Box 2745, Decatur AL 35602