James E. Robotham, Sr.

James E. Robotham, Sr., 78, of Dolgeville, New York, passed away peacefully on Friday afternoon, August 18, 2023 at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown, New York with his loving family by his side.

He was born on January 17, 1945 in Ilion, New York and was the son of the late, Arthur and Hazel (Niles) Robotham. Jim attended Ilion High School and graduated with the Class of 1963.

Jim enlisted in the United States Army on February 5, 1963 where he was trained to be a medic with the Army. He was stationed in Texas and was sent to Okinawa, Japan. He re-enlisted in the Army and was stationed at Fort Belvoir, VA and was a paramedic. He then received his orders to transfer to Vietnam to serve in the war where he cared for wounded soldiers. After serving his country in the Vietnam War, Jim was transferred back to the United States where he was honorably discharged on January 31, 1969 in California.

During his travels in the military, Jim met Charlotte L. Pfeifer, who was also serving her country with the United States Army. On February 17, 1967, Jim was united in marriage to Charlotte in Culver City, California. The couple shared a union of 56 years where they raised their two children, Jimmy and Teresa, in a loving home.

Jim and Charlotte had many business adventures throughout the years. Their most distinct businesses were Jim and Char’s Wayside Inn in Hayward, Wisconsin which they operated many years ago and more recently, Arthur’s Restaurant in Dolgeville, New York.

Jim was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Little Falls, NY where he served as a church council member, as well as an active member of the Grand Lodge Order of the Elks, Little Falls, NY Lodge #42, Dolgeville Masonic Temple, Lodge #796, Free and Accepted Masons, the American Legion of Little Falls, NY, the Herkimer V.F.W. Post 4915, Moose International Lodge #1867 of Hayward, WI, Ziyara Shriners in Utica, NY, the Lions Club of Dolgeville, NY and the Dolgeville Rod and Gun Club.

Jim enjoyed all types of sports and was a Buffalo Bills and a Yankee’s fan. He loved attending sporting events with his close group of friends. Jimbo will always be remembered for his kindness and his fun, quick-witted humor that he shared with all who crossed his path.

His most precious time was spent in the company of his family, especially his grandchildren. A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and dear friend, Jim will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Charlotte L. Robotham at home; a son, James E. Robotham, Jr. and his wife, Terri of Dolgeville, NY; a daughter, Teresa Robotham and her husband, Gordon of Dolgeville, NY; grandchildren, Christopher Robotham and his wife, Stephanie of Jordan, NY, Katelyn Robotham and her companion, Christopher Caldwell of Phoenix, AZ and Ashley Robotham of Dolgeville, NY; a sister, Betty Backus of Ilion, NY; in-laws, Patricia Robotham, Homossasa, FL, Luella Wendt of Summerville, SC, Michelle Pfeifer of Iowa, John Pfeifer and his wife, Joyce of Red Bluff, CA, Lenore Miller Pfeifer of Minneapolis, MN, and Jayne Pfeifer, Hayward, WI; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, a brother, William “Bill” Robotham, and in-laws, Carl Pfeifer, Paul Pfeifer and his wife, Marilyn, Walter Pfeifer who was formerly married to Gloria Simmons, Bill Pfeifer, and Yvonne McGuire and her husband, George.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 25, 2023 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 512 E. Gansevoort St., Little Falls, New York with Pastor Joe Famulare officiating. At the conclusion of the service, United States Army Honor Guard Members will accord Jim military funeral honors. A Celebration of Life Reception will be held immediately following the service from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Little Falls Elk’s Lodge. All are welcome to attend any of the services and reception.

In lieu of floral offerings, please consider memorial contributions for Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Building Fund, 512 E. Gansevoort St., Little Falls, New York 13365 and please add in the memo note: In Memory of James E. Robotham so that memorial can be properly acknowledged.

To leave a message of sympathy for the Robotham Family, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall or leave a photo or memory for his memory book.

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