James H. Roberton

James Hollister Roberton, who was born in Rushford on December 20th, 1908,and raised here, died at his home in Chevy Chase, MD., on Saturday, January3rd, of kidney failure. He was the son of James G. and Antoinette Robertonof Rushford. Although he had not lived here for many years, Jim wasfaithful to his home town, visiting annually with his extended family andfriends, and he retained his membership in the Masonic Lodge in Rushfordsince 1931.Jim had a long and varied career as a teacher and public servant. He was agraduate of Rushford High School and Carleton College in Northfield in 1930;received a law degree from the University in Michigan in 1937; and a mastersdegree in international administration from Columbia University in 1944. Jimtaught English at Christian mission schools in China from 1930-33 andpracticed law in New Concord and Winona from 1937-43.Jim was a Navy veteran of World War II, serving in the military occupationof Korea until 1946 and briefly as Judge Advocate for the 9th Naval Districtin Great Lakes, IL. After his discharge from the Navy, Jim taught politicalscience at Knox College in Galesburg, IL, for two years and in 1948 began a20-year career with the Central Intelligence Agency, serving in Poland, NewZealand, and China. He was in the last group of American officials to leavemainland China in 1950. Following his retirement from the CIA in 1968, Jimtaught history at Montgomery College in Rockville, MD, for six years. Jimwas an active member of the Fossils Club?a retiree organization inMaryland?since his retirement in 1974.Jim was a faithful member of Chevy Chase (MD) United Methodist Church since1955, and he and his late wife Margaret served the church in variouscapacities during that time. Jim and Margaret, who was a native of Waseca,were married 59 years, having met while she was teaching at Rushford HighSchool. They were married in Waseca on June 14th, 1935. Margaret precededJim in death on June 4th, 1994.Friends are invited to pay their respects and greet family members at HossFuneral Home on Thursday, December 8th, from 5-8 p.m. Jim will be buried inRushford's Oak Grove Cemetery, alongside Margaret, on Friday morning,December 9th.Jim is survived by three sons?James C. Roberton (and wife Karen) ofMontgomery Village, MD; Douglas T. Roberton of Chevy Chase, MD; and Craig L.Roberton (and wife Fran) of Derwood, MD. He had three grandchildren?Winn D.Roberton, Kate E. Roberton, and Clark E. Roberton. Jim is also survived bya nephew, Theodore S. Roberton Jr., of Rushford; a niece, Terry RobertonNelson, of Phoenix, AZ; a sister-in-law, Lois Roberton, of Rushford; fourgrand-nieces and nephews; and four great-grand nieces and nephews. Abrother, John Lewis Roberton, died in 1939; and a brother, Theodore S.Roberton, died in 1990. The family has requested that any memorials in Jim'shonor be made to Chevy Chase United Methodist Church, 7001 ConnecticutAvenue, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815.