James Alger Robinette (1945-2025) had a sense of humor no one who met him could forget. Always ready with a witty quip, a good-hearted jab, or a classically funny ‘Dad’ joke. He left everyone smiling along the way.
“Dad” was, of course, his favorite job. The other ones he held along the way - like Funeral Home worker, road crew on Kentucky highways, and Metallurgist for 30+ years at Inland Steel, all shaped him, for sure. But, his family was his greatest legacy.
Along with his wife Nina Gail they had two sons with whom they started a fun family tradition where each got a J first name and consecutive alphabetical middle names - so, Jeffery Brian and Jared Craig came along to become his pride and joy!
They grew up “in the mean streets of Hammond, Indiana” with a father who was always there for them - Jim was their biggest fans in youth sports, supported them joining the Navy (one for a short time and one for a lifetime), and he was, of course, there with a smile to take on the role of “Papaw” once they began families of their own. (Yes, with more J-ABCs - and other great additions along the way!)
In 60 years of marriage Jim and Nina enjoyed seeing their family grow to include two lovely daughters-in-law, Wendy and Carrie. Then, joyfully, Jeff & Wendy added the first grandchildren with Todd & Justin - and soon after, Jared & Carrie added Jordan, Emma, and Jacob.
Healthy and thriving after retiring early, at 55, Jim and Nina made it a priority to visit often with their grandchildren - first traveling between California and Indiana for years, and then finally moving to Vacaville, CA to be closer to everyone. Their continued good health and new home also provided them with every grandparent’s wish: the chance to meet their great-grandchildren! For, Papaw & Mamaw this meant a whole new generation to be there for.
Jeff & Wendy’s boys added the first great-grandchildren with Todd’s two: Adrian & Maren, then with Justin’s two: Julee and Jorn, and Jared & Carrie’s eldest - Jordan - kept it going with Jade, Dean & Jameis! Jim truly loved being Papaw to 5 and Great-Papaw to 7 - (even more than he loved The Bears and White Sox!)
Jim’s good health carried him all the way to 80, even through his years-long battle with Cancer. He “breezed through” Chemo and joked that he didn’t need to lose his hair, because it was already gone! Until the very end, he kept his easy-going attitude, his strength, and his silliness.
All of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family and friends will always remember him with a smile.
The love of his life, Nina, will surely feel his loss the deepest. Sharing 6 happy decades with someone is the dream. But, as with any great love - even 60 years is not enough time. She’ll continue on, with grace, always reminding her children, grand children, and great-grandchildren how much Jim loved them. In return, they’ll all gather around her and share cherished memories of him and remind her of his love for her. Because Jim would’ve laughed, we’ll also remind her that she never has to watch another scary movie or Western, now that she is in charge of the remote!
The family will hold a viewing on Sat July 12 from 12-3 at McCune Garden Chapel - 212 Main Street, Vacaville CA 95688
Local Florist: Stems Florist (707) 451-8585 https://www.stemsfloristvacaville.net/
For those who prefer not to send flowers - the family suggests a donation, via his favorite baseball team. *The White Sox may be in a slump right now, but Jim was a lifelong fan and would be happy to know he helped them help others.
*Chicago White Sox Charities provides annual support to Chicago-based organizations, including those leading the fight against cancer. You can make a contribution in memory of Jim, here: https://whitesoxcharities.givingfuel.com/general-donation
