FREDERICKSBURG, VA: James “Jim” R. Robbins, 92, of (formerly of Phoenix and Payson, AZ and Palmyra, NY) passed away on Thursday, December 12 at Spring Arbor Senior Living. Jim was born in Elkhart, IN to Earl and Morgia Sager Robbins. His mother died when he was 3 days old, and he was raised by his maiden aunt, Elsie Robbins (US Army Retired), a World War I nurse. He attended school in Akron, IN, graduating from Akron High School in 1949. He enlisted in the US Navy during the Korean War and was proud to be a Tin Can Sailor. After his service, he graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1959. Jim worked for Bendix Missile in Mishawaka, IN before moving his family to Rochester, NY where he was a purchasing manager for Xerox. He found his true calling in sales as a manufacturer’s representative at Alan Lupton Associates of Canandaigua, NY where he enjoyed his work and colleagues for over 20 years. He retired to Phoenix, AZ in 1996. In his retirement years, Jim worked for the Robbins Nest at many egg shows.
Jim’s happiest times were spent with family and friends on Keuka Lake, boating, fishing, playing cards, and enjoying vodka gimlets and red wine. He was our family handyman—everyone always had a “Poppy-do” list when he arrived. Marcia and Jim loved to travel especially to Europe and the Caribbean. He will be greatly missed by our family.
Jim is survived by his wife of 72 years, Marcia Burkett Robbins, and children Timothy (Susan) of Marshfield, WI and Sarah (James) Chapple of Stafford, VA. He was predeceased by daughter, Amanda “Mandy.” He was Poppy to his grandchildren Matthew (Heather) Robbins of Walworth, NY; Katherine “Katie” (Eli) Williams of South Bend, IN; Rachel (Damian Kumor) Robbins of Pittsford, NY; Emma Chapple of Stafford, VA; and Joshua Chapple of Washington, DC; as well as eight great-grandchildren: Louisa, Cora, Elsie, Reece, Rowan, Colin, Grant, and Remy. He is also survived by half-sister, Joyce Robbins of CA and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date with interment in Palmyra Cemetery in Palmyra, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the American Cancer Society.
