Obituary of James David Robertson

James David Robertson James David Robertson, 68, passed away on January 9, 2011, at St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, from complications of Lung Cancer. Jim was born in 1942, in Great Falls, Montana, to Wilda Lee Simons and James Robertson. He grew up there hunting, fishing, and helping his dad with the family construction business. Jim attended Montana State University in Bozeman, earning a degree in Civil Engineering; became a registered Professional Engineer; and worked 50 years in the industry. He worked on several large hydroelectric projects in Washington, Idaho, Montana, California, Virginia, Colorado, and Canada, during the course of his career. He moved to the Elma area in 1996 to serve as the Public Works Director for the city of Aberdeen, Washington. A few years later, he started Engineering Solutions, a successful engineering consultant firm. He prided himself on knowing the business. One contractor who worked with him referred to him as “the best construction man in the Northwest.” Jim loved shooting black powder firearms. He was an active member at the Capitol City Gun Club, the Puget Sound Free Trappers in Littlerock, Washington and the Cascade Mountain Men in Seattle. One of his passions was creating “one of a kind” black powder rifles and pistols. He would start with just a lock, stock, and barrel and create a work of art that could ring a bell at 200 yards. Jim was generous with his knowledge. He willingly shared his knowledge and mentored anyone interested in learning his craft, whether it was engineering or gunsmithing. He volunteered his time to teach new shooters how to safely discharge a black powder weapon. He stepped up to the plate when the Civil Engineering Tech program at Centralia College needed a teacher on an emergency basis for a quarter. He mentored newly hired Civil Engineering graduates and took them under his wing until they learned the business well enough to make it on their own. In order to continue his ability to help others, his family is setting up a scholarship to help needy Civil Engineering Students get their education. Jim was a loving husband, a caring father, and a true friend. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, of 47 years, Connie, their daughter Shawn, and sons James W., Dan, and Michael. In his memory, remembrances may be made to: The James D. Robertson Scholarship Fund, Centralia College Foundation, 600 Centralia College Blvd., Centralia, WA 98531. To leave memories of Jim or condolences for the family, please click on "View Guestbook" below.