James "Jim" Robinson

James Victor Robinson, aged 97, passed away with family in attendance on Sunday, August 18, 2024, in Austin, Texas. James was born on April 17, 1927, in Mexia, Texas to Bennie Castleberry Robinson, née Henderson, and Lawrence Edgar Robinson.

After the family moved from Mexia to Kilgore, Texas, James attended Kilgore High School. He enlisted in the Army shortly after graduation in 1944, serving in World War II. After his service, James attended the University of Texas at Austin, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree in February 1951. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas later that year.

James worked in Houston for many years, moving to Austin to work for National Western Life Insurance Company. He retired as Company Secretary.

Music was always an important part of James’ life. He started singing at a young age, doing so until shortly before his passing. Highly regarded as a soloist, James sang at churches throughout Texas. His career at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Austin included many years in the Compline Choir under David Stevens.

While in Houston, James started singing with the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Houston as a tenor soloist. Later, he became part of the Society’s administration, holding several high positions. He also founded the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Houston Foundation in 1999, “to provide long-term financial support for the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Houston.”

James was a member of the Rotary Club of North Austin, beginning his affiliation with Rotary on November 1, 1978. He served as president of the club from 1983 to 1984 and governor of District 5870 from 1997 to 1998. A Paul Harris Fellow, Major Donor, and Roll of Fame Member, James was also a sustaining member of the Rotary Foundation. He helped charter the Northeast Rotary Club on January 18, 1985. His legacy continued as the North Austin and Northeast Austin clubs merged on April 4, 2007.

James is survived by his loving family including nephew John Robinson of Austin and niece Susan Lane and husband Bill of San Antonio; three great nephews, Jim Lane and Chris Lane, both of San Antonio, and John Flahie of Longview as well as many dear friends throughout the state.

Memorials may be made to the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Houston Foundation https://gilbertandsullivan.org/our-foundation and Rotary International https://my.rotary.org/en/annual-fund (click donate button and select Annual Fund Share).

A memorial service for Jim will be held Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. David's Episcopal Church, 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701.