James Richard Robbins passed peacefully on February 12, 2020 in Port Arthur, Texas. James was born in Port Arthur on February 14, 1926 to Edward Theodore Robbins and Lillian Marie Breaux Robbins. He was one of four Robbins boys. As a boy, James attended and graduated from Allen Academy in Bryan, Texas. He also graduated from Texas A&M with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. At 17, James joined the U.S. Army. He received many medals as he served overseas during World War II. James found his passion in the grocery business and opened Howdy Doody Grocery on Proctor Street in Port Arthur, Texas, in 1950. He later moved the store to Mid County, where patrons continued to shop until 2001. James loved to play tennis, even teaching his grandchildren to play, and in later years, he turned his attention to horticulture and caring for the beautiful plants he enjoyed with his wife Inez. James loved Jesus, and attended Carpenters Way in Groves, Texas. James is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Mary Inez Robbins of Port Neches; son, David Robbins & wife, Kathy of Austin; stepchildren, Nan Laing & husband, Randy of Beaumont, Vickie Giblin & husband, Robert, of Port Neches, Paul Drawhorn & wife, Cindy, of Groves, and Carolyn Wiedenfeld of Beaumont. James loved his twelve grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and his brothers, Ted Robbins & wife, Ann of Silsbee, Charles Robbins of Nederland, Travis Robbins & wife, Angie of Lumberton. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Patsy Robbins and stepson, Douglas Drawhorn. Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, February 14, 2020, at Levingston Funeral Home in Port Neches, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 am. The entombment will be a private family gathering. Serving as pallbearers are grandchildren Aaron Drawhorn, Ryan Drawhorn, Eric Laing, Logan Wiedenfeld, Roman Wiedenfeld, Ben Wiedenfeld, and Nathan Terrier, John Looper and Brad Reeves. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in his honor to the Southeast Texas Food Bank, 3845 S M L King Jr Pkwy, Beaumont, Texas 77705.
Condolences
Levingston Funeral Home
November 2, 2021
1 file added to the album Obituary Wall
James Richard Robbins
August 4, 2020
James Richard Robbins
Anonymous
May 23, 2020
I know the grandson that was named after you, James Richard Robbins RN who first was a lawyer but ethics were to high to see deception that occurs. It hurts me to see it in his family, one son and family left out because of a stepmother. Please tell Mary Inez, no matter how much she coveted Ms. Patsy's ring, she really should have not used it as her wedding ring, that is just tacky.
Anonymous
March 16, 2020
Hope it's not too late to write on this. Just saw that James had died. I knew Patsy and him when they opened up their first store. My aunt's dress shop, Marie's Fashion, was just down the street. I can not tell you how many times James fed me lunch with chicken when money was short. They were awesome people and Howdy Doody will always has a place in my heart. RIP James! ❤️❤️
Anonymous
February 16, 2020
Mr James was one of the kindest people i have ever met. I am very thankful to have been able to share time with him and to call him a friend. My prayers go out to his great family.
Anonymous
February 15, 2020
My condolences and prayers to his family and friends...dj
Anonymous
February 15, 2020
I wish I could have talked to you one last time, but it was not meant to be. Regardless, I will miss you and I idolized you growing up. James Robbins III
Anonymous
February 15, 2020
You missed one of the sons.
Anonymous
February 14, 2020
Sending my condolences to this family. Stay strong and will continue to pray for family and friends.
Anonymous
February 14, 2020
I went to work at the Howdy Doody for James and in 1952. I was only 12 years old and I learned many lessons from James and Pat. Those lessons served me throughout my career and I'm forever grateful for James and his family. I pray that God will comfort his family. I also learned much from Charles and Ted when they worked at the store. I remember Travis also working there and have many good memories of all of the family in those early days. James and Pat were awesome role modes for me developing a work ethic that helped me at every job I held. I think that I could write a book on the good things that I learned working 8 years for James at the Howdy Doody.
Anonymous
February 14, 2020
We lost a wonderful PawPaw... although his blood wasn't in our veins it didn't make a difference in how he treated us! He was always good to me and my family! We will love and miss you always!!! John, Lindie, Colton, Hannah, Jackson and Payton Looper
Anonymous
February 14, 2020
So sorry for your loss.
Anonymous
February 14, 2020
Pawpaw James, you will be missed more than words can express. Thank you for being the rock in our family for the pass 21 years!!! You are a precious man, so kind and caring. Thank you for loving Mawmaw and welcoming all of her children and grandchildren with open arms. You have shared so much knowledge with Paul and I, and your awesome financial advice as well. We are so grateful and thankful for you taking time for us and being there for us. You will be in our hearts forever. We love you to the moon and back
Anonymous
February 14, 2020
My condolences to the family. Prayers to Mrs. Robbins and the family.
Anonymous
February 13, 2020
Mrs. Inez & family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers are with each of you. Much love -Tricky
Anonymous
February 13, 2020
Inez so sorry for your loss, wish I could be there to hug your neck. May peace rest upon you. I love you and James will be missed greatly!
Anonymous
February 13, 2020
Although I did not know Mr. James, I know Brittanie Terrier. I believe with all of my heart that each of us are a reflection of the people who raised us and influenced our lives. With that said, Brittanie is a beautiful reflection of love and kindness in a world that is not always so kind. So today I say Thank You to James Robbins for leaving beautiful things in the lives of the people around him. This beauty lives on in the lives of the Terrier family.
Anonymous
February 13, 2020
Sending my condolences to each of you guys! May your heart be lightened in your sadness knowing that he is in his FOREVER HOME. My Deepest Sympathy. Vicki Moser
Anonymous
February 12, 2020
James you were so loved by so many. I never remember not knowing you. Rest In Peace. I love you, Cathy Shelander