James Robison obit

Rev. James Robison Dies: LIFE Outreach International Founder Passes Away at 81

 

He wasn't on the list.

The world is mourning the loss of Rev. James Robison, the founder of LIFE Outreach International, whose decades-long ministry impacted millions through evangelism, humanitarian outreach and Christian television.

LIFE Outreach International announced Robison’s death on Sunday, May 17, in a statement shared on social media. The exact cause of death had not been announced at the time of publishing.

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Rev. James Robison, the beloved founder of Life Outreach International.

James devoted his life to sharing the Gospel and bringing hope, help, and healing to those in need around the world. Together, James and Betty stewarded a ministry that has touched countless lives and will continue impacting generations to come.

Though we grieve this tremendous loss, we also celebrate a life faithfully lived in service to God and others. In the months and years ahead, we will faithfully carry on the mission James cared about so deeply — bringing food to the hungry, water to the thirsty, and mostly, the hope of Christ to a hurting world.

The mission James gave his life to will continue with the same heart, compassion, and commitment that partners like you have faithfully helped make possible.

In the coming days, we will share additional updates as we move forward together. For now, we ask you to join us in praying for Betty, the Robison family, and the entire Life Outreach ministry family around the world.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:21

LIFE Outreach International

Board of Directors and Ministry Family”

Robison became one of the most recognizable evangelical voices in America through his preaching ministry and the long-running television program “LIFE Today.” Beyond the pulpit and television screen, his ministry became widely known for feeding programs, clean water initiatives, disaster relief and outreach efforts to vulnerable communities around the world.

Born under difficult circumstances and raised in hardship, Robison often shared how God redeemed his life and called him into ministry at a young age. Over the years, he became known not only for passionate preaching but also for compassion toward those suffering from poverty, hunger and spiritual brokenness.

Through LIFE Outreach International, Robison helped launch humanitarian initiatives that provided food, clean water and aid to countless people around the globe.

We join together in praying for Betty Robison, the entire Robison family and the LIFE Outreach International ministry family during this difficult time. May the peace and comfort of God surround them in the days ahead.

In 1979, Robison lost his regular slot on WFAA-TV in Dallas for repeatedly preaching the word of God regarding homosexuality, which he said was "almost too repulsive to imagine... one of the vilest sins known to man." In August 1980, he spoke at the National Affairs Briefing (NAB), held in Dallas’s Reunion Arena where he famously said, "I'm sick and tired of hearing about all the radicals and the perverts and the liberals and the leftists and the communists coming out of the closet. It's time for God's people to come out of the closet, out of the churches, and change America!".  According to Mike Huckabee, who was Robison's communications director at the time, that rally was the genesis of the organization Moral Majority.

He with his wife, Betty, had been members of Gateway Church, the DFW megachurch formerly pastored by Robert Morris, who resigned after allegations he sexually abused a minor in the 1980s. It was reported that Robison accompanied Morris in 1987 to meet the family of the 12-year-old girl Morris had abused over a period of years. Robison released a video on X refuting the claim, and added that he has a statement from the victim's attorney saying he was not present at the meeting. Robison went on further to condemn Morris' actions.

In 1974, the James Robison Evangelistic Association purchased a hunting and fishing lodge near Hawkins, Texas, which the association developed into Brookhaven Retreat, a not-for-profit Christian camp and retreat center, still in operation today under different management.

He authored more than a dozen books, including True Prosperity, Thank God I'm Free and My Father's Face. His book The Absolutes: Freedom's Only Hope (Tyndale House), Living In Love (Waterbrook Multnomah), Indivisible (Hachette), and "God of All Creation" (Waterbrook Multnomah).

Many leaders took to social media to express their condolences including Jim Garlow, Rick Renner, Steve Deace, Tammy Trent, Chad Prather, and Rufty Patterson.