John W. Robinson

John Winthrop “Jack” Robinson, 77, of Northfield, died peacefully at home on Thursday, January 8, 2015. He died from complications associated with Multiple Sclerosis, which he bravely fought for many years.

Born in Evanston, IL. on January 25,1937, Jack was the eldest son of Winthrop Marston Robinson and Rena Buck Robinson.

Jack spent his early life in Evanston where he was a member of the Boys Scouts and attended the 1950 Boy Scout Jamboree in Valley Forge, PA. Jack later earned his Eagle Scout badge and the ‘Order of the Arrow’ recognition.

Jack attended New Trier High School and graduated in 1959 from Northwestern University with a BA in Economics. His senior year he was President of Psi Upsilon fraternity. While at Northwestern, he joined the Marine Corp Reserve. A lifelong learner, Jack went on to receive his Masters Degree in Public Policy from DePaul University.

Jack is survived by his wife of 45 years Nancy Kimball Robinson, his sister Caroline Robinson Repenning, his three children Christy (John) Brickley, Caroline (Justin) McMorrow and John Robinson, Jr. as well as grandchildren Cameron and Chase Brickley; Maisie, Sophie and Catherine McMorrow. Jack was preceded in death by his brother, Nelson Buck Robinson.

Jack’s career at Motorola included extensive international assignments in systems engineering, sales and marketing with a focus on travels to South America, the Middle East and Africa, taking him to over 20 countries. The last 10 years of his 35-year career at Motorola, Jack served as Product Manager of External Affairs and Public Policy for Motorola University. Additionally, Jack owned WCSJ-AM, a country radio station in Morris, IL.

Professional highlights also included serving as Treasurer and Board Member of the American Society of Training and Development, Executive Board Member of the National Technical University and Chair of the Telecommunications Technical Advisory Committee on East-West trade for the US Department of Commerce.

Although many of his family and friends remember Jack as a technology and Ham radio enthusiast, Jack was an avid outdoorsman and skier--which took him to the mountains of Europe, Canada, and South America. Jack loved to play tennis and served as president of Middlefork Tennis Club. He was also a member of Glen View Club. Other interests included tree farming and environmental preservation.

His community service included two terms on the Sunset Ridge School Board, followed by two terms on the board of the New Trier Township High School. A member of Northfield Community Church for more than 40 years, he enjoyed serving as a Trustee, a Deacon and as a Sunday school teacher.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2015 at Northfield Community Church, 400 Wagner Road, Northfield, IL 60093.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Northfield Community Church, www.northfielducc.org For information, www.wmscottfuneralhome.com, 847-251-8200.