About Us | Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home

History & Staff

Ever since we opened our gates we have approached life (and death) differently. While some just see the end of a loved one’s life as a time for grief and mourning, we prefer to think of it as a time for reflection, appreciation and even celebration. This is evident in everything we do, from the way we conduct our services to the amenities we choose to offer. We are not a burial ground. We are a close knit community dedicated to honoring, sharing and preserving the amazing and inspirational stories that are life.

Why Us?

In a nutshell? Experience, professionalism, compassion, and empathy.

We've learned a lot over many years. Like how to present options without overwhelming. And how to meet the needs of many caring parties. People come to us in difficult times, and we respond kindness, calmness and expertise. Our goal is to create a beautiful occasion and make you feel welcome, always. We spend our days planning with families. We stay up to date with industry developments. And we make hard times a little easier.

In 1937 Francis and Alice Lockwood purchased the residence at 301 East Michigan Ave. and converted it to a funeral home. At that time most funeral services were conducted at the family's home or the family's Church. The first level of the funeral home was used as the Lockwood's residence and when needed, as a funeral home.

In September of 1951 they remodeled, adding the front pillars, the chapel to the west, and a two car garage to the rear. The Lockwoods moved to the upstairs apartment to allow the main level to be used solely as a funeral home. In February of 1961 they offered Mildred and Gerald Bahnmiller the opportunity to purchase but not to take ownership until July 1, 1961, which they did. At that time the population of Saline was about 2200. Approximately 40 to 48 funerals were conducted each year.

Jim Robison

President

Read Bio

Willard James (Jim) Robison, Jr is the younger of two boys born to Willard “Bud” and Agnes Robison, of Perrysburg, Ohio. During his high school years, Jim participated in track and field, and enjoyed tennis and golf. He also became a very skilled drummer, and joined the group “Johnny [and the Hurricanes.” While with the Hurricanes, Jim recorded several million sellers and toured with Dick Clark Productions all over the U.S. After high school graduation in 1960, and eventually leaving the band, Jim attended Bowling Green University, Ohio University, and then graduated from Toledo University with a Bachelor of Science degree. While earning his undergraduate degree, Jim began working part-time in an apprentice capacity for the David R. Jason Funeral Home in Point Place, Ohio. This marked the beginning of his interest and career in the funeral business. After finishing at TU, Jim attended the University of Michigan, studying landscape architecture, but decided his science preparation would be better used in a medical related field. So he chose to attend the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, and graduated with honors in 1970. Overlapping these experiences, Jim served in the United States Air Force 180th Tactical Group from 1966 – 1972. Immediately after graduating from CCMS, Jim joined the staff of Muehlig Chapel, in Ann Arbor, MI. In 1976, he married Alison Reed, a public school teacher and musical theater actress. They remained in Ann Arbor until 1983, when Jim, Alison, and their children, Stephen and Emily moved to Saline to purchase the Bahnmiller Funeral Home. After settling in to a new home, the apartment above the business, Jim worked with the guidance and support of Gerald Bahnmiller, to make the transition as seamless as possible. Jim also continued his participation in community service, having been a Kiwanis member in Ann Arbor, then joining Rotary in Saline. One of his and his family’s favorite events involving these groups has always been the annual Saline Community Fair. While Jim continued as director of the Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home, Alison worked for a time with the Saline Chamber of Commerce, and then began substitute teaching in the Saline Area Schools. Hired in 1991, she taught 3rd and 6th grades until her retirement in 2007. Both of their children graduated from Saline High School and went on to complete college and graduate studies. Steve returned to Saline in 2004 to work with his father in the funeral business, and Emily pursued nursing. As the communities served by the funeral home have grown, so have the services offered by the staff. Of particular note is the monument and marker business that Jim has developed, giving individuals and families access to an enormous variety of beautiful materials, which can be manufactured to suit anyone’s taste. Though his artistic skills and creativity are most evident as he facilitates the design of monuments, Jim takes great pride in all phases of the work he does to serve those in need. When he has the opportunity to be away from his work, he and Alison love to travel, to be on or near the water, regardless of the distance from home. Jim is also a very knowledgeable classic car enthusiast, sailor, and fly fisherman. He is most in his element outdoors, no matter the temperature. Alison still loves musical theater, reading, writing and singing, and works alongside her husband and son when the need arises.