James Richard Robbins

Published 5:25 pm Wednesday, February 12, 2020

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 Carpenter’s 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.