Who Is
James T. Robinson ?
1997 RMBS Bonsai Artist of the Year

Jim was born in Southern California as the second of three children. In his youth he was active in scouting and camping. From his love of the outdoors grew two large collections, one of insects and the other of cones from as many California conifers as he could find. By seventh grade, Jim knew he was going to be a forest ranger.

World War II interrupted Jim's enrollment at the University of California, Berkeley. After completing his sophomore year, he joined the Naval Air Corps and earned his wings at Pensacola, Florida. Jim went on to serve as an advanced instrument flight instructor in Pensacola.

Following World War II, Jim returned to Berkeley, but changed his mind about forestry. He switched to biology and graduated with a BA from Whittier College, California. Later he completed a masters degree in biology at Whittier College and a doctorate in science education at Stanford University.

Jim's career in education spanned 42 years. After holding many positions in the California school system, Jim accepted an appointment at Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, and later in Boulder, Colorado, on a research and development project with the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study. He retired as Executive Director of Curriculum and Evaluation from Boulder Valley Schools in 1988. Jim is the author of two books on science education as well as numerous papers in professional journals. He is listed in the 11th edition of "American Men of Science" and in the publication, "Leaders in Education."

Jim has been involved with bonsai since 1960. He joined the Denver Junior Bonsai Club, predecessor to the Rocky Mountain Bonsai society, in 1971 and served as president for two years in the 1970's and again in 1991. Jim's interest in bonsai was recognized by the National Bonsai Foundation when, in 1987, he was named as one of America's outstanding bonsai artists. Jim's love of bonsai continues to grow and mature as he has also become a master potter and creates his own distinctive pots for his trees.

Jim and his wife, Marj, have been married for 52 years. They have one daughter who is married and lives in Littleton, CO. Jim and Marj have one granddaughter.

The Rocky Mountain Bonsai Society congratulates Jim on being selected to receive the 1997 Bob Kataoka Memorial Award as Bonsai Artist of the Year. This award is made in recognition of the quality of Jim's trees and his continuous participation in bonsai shows since 1971.