James "Jim" Gardner Robertson

February 24, 1945 – August 26, 2025

James “Jim” Gardner Robertson was born February 24, 1945, in Indianapolis to Dr. William Carl Robertson and Grace Emily (Gardner) Robertson. His family eventually settled in Chesterton, Indiana, the town he loved and called home for nearly his entire life, apart from two extended sojourns in his early years and retirement. Jim passed peacefully in his sleep at his Chesterton apartment on August 26, 2025. He was 80.

As a child, Jim’s energy earned him the nickname “Rabbit,” and later, “GrandRabbit” to his grandchildren. A proud member of Chesterton High School’s Class of 1963, he captained the first CHS swim team and edited the famed student newspaper, The Scoop. He penned the column “The Rabbit’s Paw” (later “The Rabbit’s Claw”), challenging authority when he believed students deserved better.

While studying at the University of Michigan, Jim was inspired to join the Peace Corps and served two years in Gabon. He built the first school in Bifoun and worked at the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Lambaréné, helping people in remote villages find medical care. 

Back in the U.S., Jim assisted Dr. Fergus Pope at a rural healthcare clinic in Appalachia.  He later graduated from New College of Florida. In Sarasota, Jim participated in the first Earth Day by organizing a crew to collect bottles and cans from the beach, then delivering a dump truck full of them to a distributor, press in tow, to demand accountability for the waste. Like many of his generation, he was deeply affected by the Vietnam War, burning his draft card in protest and later refusing induction as a conscientious objector, despite the risk of arrest and imprisonment.

Jim met his wife, Charlotte Ruth (Katz) Robertson, in Chicago in 1972, while volunteering for the anti-war McGovern Campaign. Though McGovern lost nationwide, he carried his home state, and the 42nd Ward in Chicago where Jim and Charlotte volunteered. They always said “McGovern lost, but we won.” They married shortly after and began their life together as Jim worked with Head Start and pursued graduate studies in child psychology.

Jim and Charlotte settled in Chesterton to raise their family. He worked at Continental Can in quality control, proudly serving as Secretary of his United Steelworkers local. After Continental Can moved operations to Texas, he launched Illinois Steel Service with his father-in-law, Jules Katz, later leading the business as President, working alongside his mother-in-law, Esther, and Charlotte. For years, he rose before dawn, splitting his days between the Chicago plant and office, but always making it home by 5:00 pm to be with the family.

Home, for Jim, was full of adventure and tenderness. He took his children hiking, camping, and canoeing. He filled the home with pets of every kind including ducks, turkeys, dogs, cats, and rescued opossums. He read to his children every night and patiently edited school papers by the fire. He prized kindness above achievement and often said his greatest pride and joy was his two children and five grandchildren.

As a citizen, Jim believed in showing up. He supported the Bailly Alliance to protect the Indiana Dunes, helped stop a proposed dump on an Indigenous burial ground, and served for a decade, including as President, on the Porter County Board of Zoning Appeals, where he stood with neighbors against overdevelopment.

Jim and Charlotte fulfilled a dream from their Jamaican honeymoon, retiring to Bequia in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where they built a hillside home and embraced island life. As health needs changed, Jim returned to Chesterton, grateful to be back home again in Indiana to enjoy Friday night dinners with his daughter’s family and Saturday morning breakfasts with the men’s group.

Jim’s life was far too full to fit into a short obituary. He was generous, compassionate, and committed to giving a voice to the unheard. He never missed a chance for a corny joke or silly face. Above all, he cherished his family and held an enduring faith in the goodness of people.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Charlotte R. Robertson; his children: Timothy L.  Robertson, PhD (Jyothi V. Robertson, DVM) of Belmont, CA and Desiree R. Robertson-Thompson, PhD (Alexander B. Thompson) of Chesterton, IN; his five grandchildren: Heidi S.K. Robertson, El C. Thompson, Lucinda G. Thompson, Flynt R.W. Robertson, Steel R.A. Robertson; his brother,  William C. “Butch” Robertson Jr., MD (Jana Robertson); and sister, Elizabeth “Betsy” Robertson (Kristie Colton). He is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and friends near and far.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. William C. Robertson and Grace Emily Robertson, and his sister Dorothy Marie Robertson.

A memorial service will be held at St. John’s Church, Chesterton on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 11AM, as Jim wished. Memorial contributions may be made to Westchester Public Library or Action Bequia (https://www.actionbequia.org/).

Professional arrangements are entrusted to White-Love Funeral Home, Chesterton, IN.  Please share your wonderful memories with the family at: www.whitelovefuneralhome.com.

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