He graduated from Greenville High School class of 44 and entered into Clemson A& M College, (now Clemson University) in 1945. After one year, James joined the US Navy during WII and when the war was over re-entered Clemson and graduated class of 1949 with a degree in Electrical Engineering.
Mr. Robinson entered the insurance and real estate business with his father and brother. He became a real estate appraiser achieving the designation of MAI from the Appraisal Institute and served as President of the SC Chapter. James was one of the original members of the SC Real Estate Appraiser Board during its formation and was awarded the Certified General License No. 1 for his efforts. He was also licensed in NC and GA and was a member of the International Right of Way Association. He was qualified as an expert witness in the Master of Equity Court, Probate Court, Greenville County Court, South Carolina Court of Common Pleas and U.S. District Court. Specializing in commercial and industrial real estate appraisals, he was held in high regard for his intellect and integrity. Being a real estate appraiser requires unique skills and Mr. Robinson was generous in mentoring many young appraisers throughout his career.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Pat) Corbin Haskell Robinson, his daughter, Elaine Robinson Copenhaver (David) of Tupelo, Mississippi; nephew, Louis Ray Sindersine of Fairfax, SC; niece, Kathryn Robinson Bright (James) of Greenville; two step-sons Edwin Calhoun Haskell, III (Katherine) of Spartanburg; Harrison Corbin Haskell (Gena) of Greenville; 5 grandchildren, Edwin Calhoun Haskell, IV (Winn) and Daniel Caldwell Haskell(Nora), Riley Haskell Dannelly, Langdon Haskell Morris (Jonathan), James Nathan Copenhaver (Leslie); four great grandchildren, , Anna Bates Dannelly and Luke Harrison Dannelly, Makana Copenhaver, Sara Copenhaver; and Godson, Isaac Langston Donkle, III.
He was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Charles Edward Robinson, Jr.; his sister, Mary Jane Robinson Sindersine; his son, Bruce Cleland Robinson; first wife, Angell Staggs Robinson and his nephew, Charles Edward Robinson, III.
He was a true southern gentleman who was kind and thoughtful to everyone he met. He always had a smile on his face and a joke for everyone. James was known for his quick wit and his great sense of humor. He was adored by the young and old, especially children.
James was a member of the St. Andrews Society. He served as Head Commodore of the Pawley’s Island Yacht Club. He was a past member of the Greenville Country Club where he was an avid tennis player. He and Pat enjoyed gardening, skiing in the mountains out west, and traveling the world.
The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to James’s special friends: Lori, Heather, Clara, Amanda, Rikki, Mimi, Pam, Jamie, and Trena.
A memorial service will be held at Christ Church Episcopal, Markley Chapel, where James Robinson was a member for over 65 years, on November 30, 2021 at 3:00 pm. Following the service, the family will receive friends at the Poinsett Club.
Memorials may be made to: A Child’s Haven, (www.achildshaven.org) 20 Martin Drive, Greenville, SC 29617 or the Greenville Humane Society, (www.greenvillehumane.com) 305 Airport Road, Greenville, SC 29607. Online memorials may be made at www.mackeycenturydrive.com.
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