James Frederick Robinson

James Frederick Robinson, 88 of Grafton passed away on Wednesday September 29, 2021 at his residence in Grafton. He was born May 11, 1933 in Grafton, West Virginia. He was preceded in death by his wife O. Virginia “Tootsie” Robinson.  James was the third child of 11, children of Herbert Leroy and Jessie Mae Corbin Robinson of Grafton, West Virginia. At the 17 years old James enlisted in the United State Army while still in High school.  Due to his age, he needed his father’s approval who did not want to give his approval.  James said I am needed and if you do not sign, I will go anyway.  His father signed the approval.  At age 17 he was on his way to Korea, he arrived at Inchon.  When he debarked the ship, he was handed his supplies and sent to the front lines. He was in several places in Korea.  After his tour in Korea, he returned to the United States.  Married his Childhood Sweetheart O. Virginia “Tootsie” Hershman, on March 20, 1954.  To find work he moved to Baltimore, Maryland where he began working for the Anchor Hocking Glass factory.  He then worked at the American standard plant making Sinks, Tubs, and other kitchen and bathroom items.  He was injured on the job and had to find other work.  He began working for Butler Aviation at then Friendship Airport, Now Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport.  Due to downsizing and expansion of the Airport he needed to move to another Job.  He began working at the A&P Bakery in Baltimore as equipment repair man.  During this time, he completed his GED and went to school and was certified as a power engineer.  He moved back to Grafton in 1969 where he began working for the Taylor County School System.  He then worked for the box factory in Grafton, under St. Regis Paper Co., Georgia Pacific, and Packaging Cooperation of America, retiring in 1988.  During that time under the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistants Diploma program he received his High School Diploma, from Grafton High school certified by the Taylor County Board of Education.  He was fighting a war at the time he should have graduated.  While still working he Served in the United States Army Reserve 363rd ordinance Co, in Grafton, West Virginia.  While serving he returned to Korea to serve his two weeks active duty.  His total military service time was 18 plus years both active duty and reserve time.  His decorations include The Korean Service Medal w/4 war Service Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge. He serves on the Taylor County Honor Guard.  He provided honors to 1,534 Veterans. He received honor certificate from the Veterans Administration for 1,514 hours for his volunteer service. He was a former Chairman of the West Virginia Memorial Day Parade Committee.  He is a life member in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3081 Grafton, WV, serving as Service Officer, Commander, and a District Commander, The American Legion Taylor County Post 12, Grafton, WV, serving a Service Officer, Disabled American Veteran Chapter 24 Preston/Taylor, Grafton, WV, now in State Chapter 200, and an annual member of American Veterans Post 38 Falling Waters, WV.  Jim has served his City, State and Nation for 87 years, and is a true Patriot. James is survived by one daughter, Debra Kay Hoag (David), two sons, David L Robinson (Jo) and Doug Robinson (Monica), four grandchildren DiAnna McMillen, Corey W. Robinson, Michele Hoag, David Milton Hoag, Jr., five great grandchildren Jordan, David III, Briana, Piper, Shylo, Athena, Jared, Donavon, three brothers, Paul “Dutch” Robinson, Ronnie Robinson (Pat), Charlie Robinson (Marge) and one sister Virginia McDaniel (Tom). In addition to his parents and wife, James is preceded in death by one daughter, DiAnna Louise Robinson, four brothers, Carl Robinson, Herbert Robinson, Bobbie Robinson, and Kenny Robinson, two sisters, Ruby Casto, and Patricia Romine Friends may call at Bartlett Funeral Home, Grafton, on Sunday October 3, 2021 from 12:00 PM until 6:00 PM, the funeral will be Monday October 4, 2021 at 11:00AM  with Pastor Sue Lowther officiating, Interment will follow at the West Virginia National Cemetery with full military honors accorded by the Taylor County Honor Guard and the West Virginia Army Honor Guard. Online condolences can be sent to www.bartlettfuneralhomewv.com Bartlett Funeral Home is honored to serve the Robinson family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Frederick Robinson, please visit our floral store.