NWA Capt. James Leonard Robbins Jr.

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, NWA Capt. James Leonard Robbins Jr.

June 26, 1947 ~ November 8, 2024

 

Commemorating the life of retired Northwest Airlines pilot Captain James Leonard Robbins Jr., age 77.   

 

https://www.bunkerfuneral.com/obituaries/james-leonard-robbins/

 

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.

Service Date: 11/16/2024   Service Time: 12:00 PM

Service Location: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 7752 E McDowell Rd, Mesa, AZ 85207

Visitation Date: 11/14/2024

Visitation Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Visitation Location: Bunker University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85213

Interment: City of Mesa Cemetery