Robert was raised in the family farm home of his parents in Meyer Township, Pierce County, just east of Rugby and attended a country school near his home.  He completed his education at Rugby High School.  In April of 1960, he was inducted into the U.S. Army and was stationed in South Korea until his honorable discharge on May 7^th, 1962.  Following his discharge, he returned to the family farm to work with his father.  On June 16, 1963, he was united in marriage to Eva Eurich at Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith, North Dakota.  Following their marriage, the couple made their home, raised their family and farmed the Paulson family farm in Meyer Township.  In 2003, the couple retired from the farm and moved into Rugby.  Robert was a longtime member of the Meyer Township Board and the American Legion.  He was a avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed gardening and being with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Eva; four sons, Robert James, Jr. (Laura) of Princeton, Minnesota, Jeffrey David of Golden Valley, Minnesota, Kris Lee (Wendy) of Spout Spring, Virginia and Brian Gregg of Lansing, Michigan; four grandchildren, Anthony, Aaron, Courtney and Matthew Paulson; six great grandchildren; one sister, Doreen Geibel of Longmont, Colorado; other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by one son in infancy; and his parents.