James L. Robotham

Dr. Robotham passed away on February 3, 2021 at age 73. His passion for medicine began at an early age and he graduated from Boston University School of Medicine when he was 23. Medicine was not just a profession but what defined him: physician, researcher, teacher.  His career led him to Johns Hopkins a number of times, in Cardio- Pulmonary Physiology, Pediatric Critical Care and later in Pediatric Anesthesiology.  As Director of the Pulmonary Anesthesia Laboratory, he trained international fellows who went on to lead prestigious careers. He was a driven researcher who pushed his children to accomplish whatever dreams they had.  His older daughter, Delphine, followed in his footsteps and attended medical school, while Melissa followed his advice and attended business school.  He held the position of Chair of Anaesthetics and Intensive Care at Imperial College School of Medicine in London, UK from 1997 until 2000 then he became Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Rochester, NY.  He adored his grandchildren, and their presence brought him immense joy.  He is survived by his wife, Anne, his children Delphine and Crawford Nelson and Melissa and Christopher Biddison, and grandchildren Jack, Porter, Eloise, and Remy. A service will be held at St. Casimir Church in Canton at noon on Thursday, February 11. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.