James “J.R.” Vaughn Robbins of Olanta died peacefully in the presence of his family following a brief illness on Jan. 22, 2018. He’d lived on this earth for 101 years.
He was born the son of George W. Robbins and Arminta “Minty” (Lord) Robbins on Sept. 13, 1916 on the family farm on Turkey Hill. The family farm would be his home for his entire life.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his four brothers, Lewis, Bill, Harry and Carl; five sisters, Leota, Marie, Emma, Hazel and Dorothy; and his beloved wife of 56 years, Cartha (Tubbs) Robbins.
He is survived by his two sons, Lynn (Roberta) and Denny (Faith) of Olanta; five grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
He spent his youth farming the same property that had been cleared by his grandfather.
He later went on to work for the Benjamin Coal Co., as a fuel truck driver, a job he held until his retirement.
Along the way, he made many friends, collected a lot of stories and worked hard in his 32 years at Benjamin Coal. He worked 60 hours per week and prided himself on never being late or missing a day.
After he retired, he continued working the farm and whipping up pancakes for himself and his many grandchildren into his 90’s.
He was a gentle, quiet man who loved his family, animals and visiting with friends. His long life and the many people whose lives he touched are a testament to the common grace of a loving God.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018 at the Community Baptist Church, 11555 Curwensville Tyrone Hwy., Curwensville, PA 16833 with the Rev. Todd Hogue officiating. Burial will be in Mount Zion Cemetery, Olanta.
Friends will be received from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24 at the Bennett & Houser Funeral Home Inc.
An additional hour of viewing will be held from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Thursday at the Community Baptist Church.
Online tributes can be made at www.bennettandhouser.com or www.mem.com.