James Leonard Robbins, Jr. of Mesa, Arizona passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family, November 8th, 2024. He died after a brave battle with cancer.
He was born in Greenbush, Illinois and got his beautiful blue eyes from Ellenore and James Robbins, Sr. on June 26th, 1947.
He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Iowa Wesleyan University. Following college, he briefly taught high school and then entered the Air Force becoming a fighter pilot. After leaving the military, he spent the rest of his career as a Captain for Northwest Airlines, retiring in 2003.
He lived in Mesa for the past 40 years and was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he alongside his wife, Joy, served three missions-the first at the ASU Institute, second in Nashville, and most recently at the Employment Services Center.
Jim had a great sense of humor, strong work ethic, and always made you feel truly heard. He had a deep love of history and encouraged everyone to “stay in school.” He never passed a historical marker without reading and learning. He loved camping, hiking, and all things outdoors. He was a sports enthusiast and loved his D-backs. He was good natured, charming, honorable, and charismatic. He will be truly missed by his family and friends. He was the strength of our family.
He is survived by his loving wife, Joy Robbins, his children, Marci Curtin (Jim), Jennifer Holl (Brannon), Ben Robbins (Mary Ann), Suzi Pearson (David), Jennifer Davis (DJ), McKenzie Moffett (Shawn), nineteen grandchildren and his sister Linda Louthain (Jeff). He is preceded in death by his dear wife Mary Jane Robbins, mother Ellenore Robbins, father James Robbins, Sr., and his brother Scott Robbins.
The viewing will be held at the Bunker Family Mortuary at 3529 East University Drive, in Mesa from 6:30-8:30 PM Thursday, November 14, 2024. The funeral will be at the Mesa Thunder Mountain ward building at 7752 East McDowell Road at noon on Saturday November 16, 2024. Burial will be in the Mesa City Cemetery following the funeral.
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
We will miss Jim. He was always interested in what was going on in your life and so easy to talk to.
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the entire family. He was a good friend as well as Uncle.
We love Brother Jim Robbins! He always greeted my husband and I with a genuine smile and such a welcome in his eyes. I felt kindness and caring coming from his heart, as he was truly interested in what we had to share. We are so blessed to have known him!