James Albert Robinson's Obituary
James A. Robinson of San Bernardino passed peacefully and quickly in the early morning hours of March 10, 2008, into the arms of his devoted wife Violet and his God. Born Dec. 9, 1919 on a family trip to the West Coast in Nessa OR, to Laura Selma and John Butler Robinson. He was raised in the hills of Tennessee and country outside Philadelphia, PA. At 17 he enlisted in the National Guard, and when WWII broke out he enlisted in the Army. Later into the newly created Army Air Corps; which eventually became what we now know as the Air Force. He served in the Pacific Theatre, Sai Pan etc. A tail gunner in a B-24 Bomber, he was shot down twice and awarded the Purple Heart. In 1943, on leave, he met and married Violet Nora (Lee) Hughes of Redlands, CA. Upon separation from the Air Force in 1945, they settled in Redlands, CA. He began a long career at Norton AFB as an Aircraft Mechanic and Inspector. In 1946 they had a daughter Laura Lee. In 1950 they relocated to San Bernardino and had another daughter Julie Ann. In 1960 his job took him to Warner Robbins AFB with The Strategic Air Command, but within two years he managed to return to San Bernardino with a job as a Rocket Engine Tester at Edwards AFB, remaining there until he retired with nearly 30 years service. Still a young man he then began devoting himself to his grand children and their endeavors; coaching Little League Baseball at Post 777, Pop Warner and Jr. All American Football, BMX Racing and many other activities. He loved God, his country and his family. He was a man of faith his entire life. Over his 88 plus years he developed many, many friends. He didn’t know a stranger! But those who will miss him most are his family and large extended family. He was preceded in death by his devoted and loving wife of 63 years Violet; their daughter Julie Ann; and great grand daughter Illyanna Renae Van Sant. Left to grieve our loss are his daughter Laura Lee Nelson and her husband Don; Son in Law Robert Van Sant; Grand Children James Childs III, Joseph Van Sant, Michael (Donna) Van Sant; William (Megan) Van Sant, Laura Christine (David) Hillman and Brigitte (Daniel) Loubley; Great Grandchildren Kelsey Wright, Jamie Van Sant, Amber Loubley, Heather Van Sant, Sarah Edwards, Arynn Van Sant, Hollie Van Sant, Benjamin Duran, Blake Hillman, Vincent Edwards, Brian Van Sant, Melissa Edwards, Kaylee Raynn Van Sant and Christopher Dean Van Sant. Also one Great Great Grand Daughter Aeris Loraynn Van Sant. Many friends and relatives, from coast to coast. To us he was a Great Man and will be missed beyond words. A visitation will be held Thursday March 13th at 5pm followed by a funeral service on Friday March 14th at 10:00 am both at Bobbitt Memorial Chapel, 1299 E. Highland Ave. San Bernardino, CA 92404. Inurnment will be at Hillside Memorial Park in Redlands CA on Monday March 17th at 1:00pm.
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