Reverend James Robison

Reverend James Robison, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, evangelist, author and founder of LIFE Outreach International, was welcomed into the presence of his Heavenly Father on May 16, 2026, in Tarrant County, Texas. He was 82 years old.

Born October 9, 1943, in the charity ward of a hospital in Houston, Texas, James entered the world under extremely difficult circumstances. Yet through the grace of God, his life became a testimony of redemption, purpose and hope to millions around the world.

For more than 60 years, Reverend Robison boldly proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ through crusades, television, books, and humanitarian outreach. Alongside his wife Betty, he founded LIFE Outreach International, a ministry dedicated not only to sharing the message of Christ, but also demonstrating His love through feeding programs, clean water initiatives, disaster relief and other outreaches in more than 80 nations around the world.

James was one of the pioneering voices of faith on television and became known around the globe through the LIFE Today television program. Throughout his ministry, tens of millions of people responded to the Gospel message, while countless children and families received life-saving care through the outreaches of LIFE.

He authored several books including The Absolutes, Indivisible, True Prosperity, and Fight the Good Fight. His thunderous voice carried influence far beyond ministry circles. Over the years, James counseled and prayed with presidents, national leaders, and cultural influencers, while never losing his passion for reaching everyday people with the hope found only in Jesus Christ.

Despite his public platform, those closest to him knew him as a deeply passionate man who loved people wholeheartedly. He carried extraordinary energy for life, family, and ministry. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and golf, but nothing mattered more to him than his wife, Betty, his family, and his calling to share Christ in word and deed with the world.

James often reminded others, “God accomplishes His perfect will through imperfect people.” His own life powerfully reflected that truth.

James met the love of his life, Betty, at Memorial Baptist Church in Houston, where Pastor H.D. “Pop” Hale — James’ foster father — shaped the course of his young life. James and Betty shared 63 years of marriage, ministry and devotion to one another.

Betty shared, “He was my best friend and together we lived a full life of family and ministry, and I will forever miss him.”

He is survived by his wife Betty Catherine Robison; his children, Rhonda Redmon, and James Randall Robison; 11 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Robin Rene Turner, who passed away on December 28, 2012.

Family members shared that while James’ passing was sudden, he had spent his final days surrounded by many loved ones.

James was best known for pointing people toward the life and hope found in Jesus Christ. One of the scriptures most closely associated with his ministry was John 10:10: “I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly. He often declared, “Our hope will never be found in the efforts of man, but in Jesus Christ alone.”

Funeral arrangements are being handled through Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst, Texas. Reverend Robison will be laid to rest privately at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville, Texas. A public memorial celebration will be held Thursday, May 28th, at Milestone Church in Keller, Texas. The service is open to the public, will be livestreamed, and will begin at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts in honor of James Robison be made to LIFE’s fresh water well program, Water for LIFE at www.jamesrobison.org.

James Robison lived an extraordinary life, and nothing would make him happier than knowing his story inspired others to live boldly, love deeply, and place their hope fully in Christ.

“Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matthew 25:23)