James B. Robinson

James B Robinson, age 102, of Kingsport, Tennessee, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 22, 2022. James was born in Mountain City, Tennessee to the late James Bert Robinson and Artie Victoria Gentry.

At an early age, he showed his enthusiasm and love for sports by participating in both basketball and football, at Johnson County High School. In conversation with his former basketball coach, he asked J.B. "Jay, do you remember our close game with Dobyns Bennett? The score was 38-38 and one second to go and you shot the winning basket that brought the final score to 38-40.

Mr. Robinson was drafted into the Navy for WWII in 1943 and after basic training in San Diego, he set sail on the M.S. Bloemfontein and crossed the equator on December 28th, landing in the Philippines. Mr. Robinson earned three stars in his participation in three active battles with Japan.

After completing his service with the Navy, he enrolled in East Tennessee State College to further his education in Business Administration. It was there where he met the love of his life, Geneva Franklin, who was in the United States Army Cadet Nursing Program. After his wife graduated in 1947, they moved to Kingsport and lived in the Lynn Garden Community until 1949. After graduating, he moved to Livonia, Michigan and worked for General Motors. While in Michigan, his two daughters were born.

The Robinsons moved back to Kingsport in 1954 after the birth of their second daughter, and it was there where Mr. Robinson accepted his first teaching position at Ketron High School. Mr. Robinson started on his Masters degree at East Tennessee State College in 1955 and began his first year as principal at Ketron High School during the 1957-58 school year. During the first year as principal, he challenged the student body to a fundraiser for a new scoreboard by selling Krispy Kreme donuts. Krispy Kreme assisted Mr. Robinson by transporting from Knoxville 126 dozen boxes of donuts a week, for six weeks and the students were successful in selling all of them. They met their goal, and a new scoreboard was installed during the 1958-59 school year.

Mr. Robinson was then assigned to Sullivan North High School, as principal, in 1980 when Lynn View and Ketron were consolidated. He retired from Sullivan North High School in 1985 and was later recognized for his contribution by having the “ little theatre “ named in his honor.

Up until he was 102 years old, Mr. Robinson still lived on his own, walked every day, cleaned his own house, with some assistance, insisted on getting his own groceries, drove his car, and went to church on a regular basis.

Along with his parents, JB was preceded in death by his wife, Geneva Franklin; and his three sisters, Dorothy Phillipi, Verna Roberts and Iva Grindstaff.

His survivors include his children, Vickie Harris (Jim), Debbie Robinson; grandchildren, Robert Coates (Tawny), Elizabeth Temple (Sean), Nancy Burse (Kevin); seven great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Patsy Franklin; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Avalon Hospice, The Waters at Bristol, Home Instead Senior Care, The Blake at Kingsport and neighbors and friends who helped care for our loved one.

The Robinson family will gather to greet friends and share memories on Saturday, October 1st, from 2 pm - 4 pm in the Chapel of East Lawn Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will follow at 4 pm in the Chapel with Phillip Sams Minister of First Christian Church officiating. A Graveside Service will follow the Funeral in the Garden of Christus.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Jim Harris, Robert Coates, Sean Temple, Kevin Burse, Jim Franklin and Randy Maltsberger.

Memories and condolences can be shared with the Robinson family at: www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park are in charge of arrangements. 4997 Memorial Blvd., Kingsport, TN, 37664 | (423) 288-2081

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mr. Robinson may be made to: Bloomingdale Ruritan Scholarship Fund, 3232 Van Horn Street, Kingsport, TN 37660; or, Sullivan County Teachers Scholarship Association c/o Mary Cain 200 Willow Creek Private Drive, Blountville, TN. 37617