James Riley Robbins

April 30, 2018

On April 27, 2018, James (Jim) Riley Robbins, 85, of Cantonment, Florida, was released from the bonds of his earthly home and lifted into the loving arms of his heavenly father.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James L. and Stella Robbins; and brother, Pellar Robbins.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joyce Whitson Robbins; son, Jeffrey K. Robbins; daughter, Jamie D. Robbins (London), daughter, Joanna Rene Robbins Hayes; son, James F. Holladay Robbins; son-in-law, Robert Richard Hayes III, grandchildren Sabrina Kathleen Robbins, Alexandra Robbins Hayes, Anastasia Robbins Hayes, Robert Riley Robbins Hayes, Stella Jolena London, sister Carolyn Jordan (Donald) and brother H. Raymond Robbins. He also was loved and will be remembered by numerous relatives, nieces, nephews, extended family, coworkers and lifelong friends.

The oldest of Luther and Stella Robbins’ four children, Jim (born at home in the “old Bullwinkle house”) arrived on this earth on July 8, 1932, in Bratt, Florida. A curious child with a thirst for knowledge and adventure, he was often noticed by neighbors at the mail box reading the local newspaper, absorbing news of the outside world, setting the precedence for the adventurous man whom he would grow up to be.

A military veteran, he joined the Navy at age 17 and served for three years during the Korean Conflict aboard the USS Duncan as part of the Underwater Demolition Team as well as performing his other ship board duties and “seeing the world”. After service he returned stateside and began his foray into industrial construction.

Jim was a generous, nurturing, and devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. As an only child for several years, and in his willingness to help others, he quickly became the caretaker with an intense sense of duty to his siblings and family for his entire life: a trait instilled in him by his mother, Stella.

Having grown up as a country boy in the north end of Escambia County, he was versed at hunting, fishing and gardening; skills that not only provided sustenance for his family during his younger days but was a sense of pride and enjoyment with “Joyce and the young’uns”. In addition to his love of nature he was blessed with God given musical talent teaching himself how to play the guitar, banjo, harmonica, dulcimer, piano, and could easily coax a tune from any instrument he picked up, “even the spoons”.

He generously shared his musical gifts with his children, family, and friends as evidenced in the hours gathered together playing music, singing, and dancing.

He enjoyed reading, traveling, vacationing with his wife and children, as well as attending theatrical productions especially when his “stars” were performing. Raised in the Free Will Baptist faith, he later (after marriage) embraced the United Methodist faith and is currently a member of the Gonzalez United Methodist Church. “Thank you Jesus”.

Jim enjoyed a long and varied career in industrial construction. Traveling throughout the country, he enjoyed the responsibility and took great pride in the completion of many projects from California to Tennessee and Wyoming to Key West. Respected by legions of workers, from management to laborers, he never asked anyone to do anything he wasn’t willing to do himself. He shared his wealth of construction knowledge gleaned from hard work and on-the-job experience over the years, with many up-and-coming craftsmen.

Jim lived larger than life, was beloved by many and will be greatly missed.

Services will be held Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Family will receive friends at 10 a.m. followed by the service at 11 a.m., at Faith Chapel North Funeral Home North.

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Written by Jane · Filed Under Obituaries