JAMES ARNOLD ROBINETTE, 82, of Chesapeake, OH, passed away May 6, 2025, at River Run Healthcare of Coal Grove. He was born November 5, 1942 in Kenova WV, the son of the late Arnold Robinette and Clara Margaret Williams. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Judy Gale Newman, and his stepfather, Forrest Williams. He was retired from Special Metals in Huntington WV with 48 years of service.
He loved Marshall University, fishing, hunting and hiking. Blackwater Falls WV, Davis and Elkins WV, and Lake Murray, SC were all his second homes. He loved to take his family on vacations to historic and beautiful places and of course—the beach. He also loved tinkering in his garage with his MGBs, Austin Healeys, his purple muscle car and ice cold Yingling.
But above all, he lived for his family. He was a loving husband, father and papaw. He was a good provider and a fierce protector. He loved his wife, he was a strong and loving father to his kids, and he was the very best papaw to his all grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was his children and grandchildren’s biggest fan, no matter what. They held his heart.He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sallie Jewell McKeand Robinette, daughter Janet Lynn (Larry) Howard of Winter Springs FL, son John Philip (Lisa) Robinette of South Point OH, daughter Jamie Gayle (Clint) Artrip of Barboursville WV, and son Jason Henry (Aleasha) Robinette of Blaine KY. He is survived by his precious grandchildren Courtney Elizabeth (Max Nolte) Holschuh, Kristen Nicole (Zac) Milton, Joshua Shayne (Alyssa) Artrip, Julie Elizabeth (Seth Cooper) Freeman, Amanda Gail (Colton) Brewer, Alex Paul (Kristi) O’Malley, Audrey Paige (Brendan Kelley) Robinette, Anna Rose Robinette, and Skyler James Cordle, Jacob Allen Cordle, Karyn Elizabeth Cordle, and Kasey Marie Cordle.
He is also survived by one very special great-grandson, Mason James Endicott, who has lived with his Nana and Papaw all his life and is Papaw’s Boy. Great grandchildren Lacey Shay Artrip, Brennan Scott Artrip, Charlotte Alyse Artrip, Greyson Wayne Milton, Brodie Keenan Brewer, Brylee Ray Brewer, and his newest little love Kenlee Jewell Cooper all adored their papaw. He sure did love all his babies. He also leaves behind a host of nephews and nieces, including a special niece Stephanie Dawn McKeand.
In addition, he leaves behind two brothers-in-law, Ralph McKeand and Robert “Tudy” McKeand, and five sisters-in-law; Donna King, Maxine McKeand, June Davis, Sandy McKeand, and Donna McKeand.
Last but not least, he leaves behind a very special fur grandbaby, Sophie-Jo Ainsley Artrip. He joked that she was the only one who was happy to see him. He loved her, talked to her and watched her bounce around her playpen, always wanting to spring her loose.
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to his nurse practitioner and close family friend Suzanne Celdran, Buckeye Hospice, and the nurses and staff at River Run Healthcare for the compassionate care you gave to him and the kindness you showed his family. You will not be forgotten.
Rest well Daddy, you have earned it and we will miss you till the end of time. We will see you again someday. You taught us everything except how to live without you. We’ve got to let you go now because, ring ring! Nova Scotia is calling for you, it’s 5 o’clock! A memorial service will be conducted 11:00 A.M. Friday, May 9, 2025 at Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.
James was a good man, always smiling and loving his family. He will not be forgotten. 🙏