James Clinton Robertson, 69, Osawatomie, died January 16, 2001 in his home.

He was born February 26, 1931 in Osawatomie, the son of Geneva Alnora Bliss and James Monroe Robertson. He attended Osawatomie schools, graduating from Osawatomie High School in 1948. He was known by the nicknames of "JC", "Red" and "Gas Pipe".

He served with the U.S. Army from January 1949 until August 1952. He was in Korea from August to December of 1951 and then spent some time in Japan. He was discharged at Camp Carson, Colo.

Mr. Robertson returned to Osawatomie and lived with Kenneth and Patricia Raymer for a time. He began a railroad career in October 1952 when he went to work as a machinist apprentice for Missouri Pacific Railroad. He went out of his machinist apprenticeship in 1957 and worked for the railroad in Omaha, Neb. After three months, he was laid off and he took a position with the Santa Fe Railroad in Argentine, Kan. After 14 months, on June 9, 1958, he went to work for the Rock Island Railroad in Armourdale, Kan. He made foreman in 1971. In 1979, the Rock Island was bought out by Southern Pacific and he was laid off March 23, 1979. With the exception of three months, he did not work until being called back as a machinist in 1981. He continued with the railroad until having back surgery in 1990. He went back to work in 1991 and retired July 30, 1991 on a disability.

He and LaVina Fay Lyons were married May 22, 1953 in Osawatomie. They became the parents of five children.

He served with the U.S. Army Reserves from 1953 until 1971. He was a member of Hanlin-Kelly Post No. 2258 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Osawatomie.

Mr. Robertson played baseball with the Osawatomie Town Team for several years. He coached minor league baseball for several years and was cubmaster for Cub Scout Troop No. 3099 for several years.

Those preceding him in death were his parents; two sisters, Lois Jean Roberts, and Becky Mai; and two half sisters, Lucille Powers and Ruby Haas.

Survivors include his wife, LaVina Robertson of the home; five children, Rickey Robertson of Independence, Kan., Vickie Sue Obermeier and Timmy Robertson of Osawatomie, Gary Lee Robertson of Independence, Mo., and Regina Fennewald of Vancouver, Wash.; three sisters, Ethel Kramer of Quenemo, Kan., Maxine McRoberts of Osawatomie and Lanora Rickman of Florence, Colo.; a brother, Jerry Robertson Mai of Grand Blanc, Mich.; two half sisters, Helen Gillison of Sparta, Ill., and Lena Robertson, no address listed; and 14 grandchildren.

Services were in Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home in Osawatomie. Pallbearers were Paul Obermeier, Jason Obermeier, Gary Robertson, Tim Robertson, Rex Fennewald, Rick Robertson, Christopher Robertson and Jerry Robertson Mai. Military services were conducted at the graveside in Osawatomie Cemetery.

Memorials were to the Osawatomie High School Alumni scholarship fund and Odessey Health Care, Inc., Kansas City, MO.

Published in the Osawatomie Graphic, January 31, 2001