James Marshall Robertson, born June 14, 1938, in Farmington, Iowa, passed away on September 8, 2026, in Kirksville, Missouri. Jim was a businessman, devoted family man, and a man with a generous heart who touched the lives of many through his family, work, friendships, and service to his community.
Jim was the son of Gladys and Charles Harvey Robertson. He attended Gem City Business College in Quincy, Illinois, before beginning a long and successful career in business.
On January 20, 1968, Jim married Joyce Ann Stauffer in Quincy, Illinois. Together, they shared a life built around family, hard work, and the people they cared about.
Jim began his career at Gardner Denver in Quincy before joining Rod Smith Chevrolet. He worked his way up to General Manager, where Rod Smith became an important mentor and friend. In 1972, Rod Smith helped Jim open Jim Robertson Chevrolet in Kirksville, Missouri.
Jim owned and operated the dealership until 2014, when he officially “retired”—although retirement was never quite in Jim’s nature. He continued to run Kirksville Powersports and remained active in farming.
Jim’s leadership extended beyond his businesses. He served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Northeast Regional Medical Center, where he served for 50 years, and as President of the Missouri Automobile Dealers Association. He was also a Shriner and believed in giving back to his community.
Family was at the heart of Jim’s life. He was a loving father to Michelle Klem, Shawn (Gale) Robertson, and Brad Robertson. He was especially proud of his grandchildren: Michael Edward Klem III, Marshall Klem, Anna (Lance) Eley, Mason Robertson, Gavin (Taylor) Robertson, and Alek Robertson, as well as his great-grandsons, Hays and Holland Eley. He was a beloved uncle to Steven (Karla) Robertson and cherished his relationship with them.
Jim’s love of horses and rodeo was another important part of his life. He provided bucking stock to Mid-States Rodeo and took pride in the horses he raised. Sharing that passion with his grandchildren brought him great joy, and he made sure they had good horses to ride and the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and ranch life. His horse Joey held a particularly special place among the family.
Jim had a quick wit and a wonderfully crude sense of humor that kept those around him laughing. He was rarely without a joke or a one-liner, and those who knew him well can probably hear his voice saying, “I just stepped in to get my shoes shined.” It was just one of those Jim-isms that became part of who he was and a phrase his family and friends will remember with a smile.
Jim formed lasting friendships throughout his life, including with Steve March, Dennis Shultheiss, and Craig Kilmer. Their friendships were filled with shared experiences, laughter, and many years of memories.
Jim will be remembered most for the life he built with Joyce, the family he loved, the businesses he built, the community he served, his love of horses, and the humor he brought to the people around him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys Kelley and Charles Harvey Robertson; his brother, Don Robertson; and his best friend, John Walter.
Jim leaves behind Joyce, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, friends, and a community that will miss him deeply.
Visitation will be held Sunday, September 13, from noon to 2:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville. Burial will follow at Hazel Creek Cemetery.
Memorials donations in memory of Jim may be made to K-Life or to Hospice Compassus, and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.