Jim was a military veteran, honorably discharged in 1960, after he retired from over nineteen years of service in the United States Navy as an enlisted E-7 aircraft engine mechanic supervisor. His service in the US Navy included an occupational specialty of tail gunner crew member on Vought OS2U Kingfisher aircraft during World War 2 to protect American shores from German U-boats. Jim's squadron also provided cover air support for the USS Missouri, which hosted the Japanese surrender in 1945 that ended the war. Jim’s military service earned him a Good Conduct medal with 3 stars, an American Defense medal, an American Theater Campaign medal, an Asia Pacific medal with 3 stars, a World War 2 Victory medal, and a National Defense Service medal.
After military service, Jim went on to work as a computer programmer for DOD civil service and Exxon into the 1980s. He next worked as a fixed wing pilot and instructor pilot with missions that included flying premature infants in the region to Pensacola hospitals for medical care. Jim concluded his employment years with work in the West Florida Public library system, with duties that included providing English instruction to foreign exchange students.
Jim enjoyed surfing, camping, travel, spending time with his family and friends, clogging and square dancing. He enjoyed an amazing retirement and spent many years enjoying volunteer work and activities with his caring heart.
Jim will be deeply missed. He is survived by Phuong and the kids; his former wife of fifty years Barbara; three sons, Joel (Lara), Christopher (Christi), and Curt (Kat); grandchildren Lisa, Lori, Matthew, Paul, Stephanie, Leaette, Noelle, Natasha, Tanya, Kina, Kai, Kelly, Aaron, Brandon, and Keiko; brother-in-law David (Gena); daughters-in-law Carol and Dorothy; and several great and great, great grandchildren. Jim will also be remembered by extended family, dear friends, volunteers, and coworkers he knew throughout the community.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Velma; his former in-laws, George and Rose; several brothers, Ralph, Wilbur, Howard, and Harold; three sons, Robby, Mike, and Mark; daughter-in-law, Sharon; and two grandchildren, Michelle and Thadeus.
A visitation for James will be held Monday, September 21, 2020 from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, 619 New Warrington Road, Pensacola, FL 32506. Funeral service will be begin at 4:00 pm. Burial will take place the following day at 9:00 am on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at Barrancas National Cemetery, 1 Cemetery Road, Pensacola, FL 32508. Please meet at Oak Lawn Funeral Home for procession at 8:30 am.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.oaklawnfunerals.com for the Robinett family.
