James Wesley Robinson Sr.

James Wesley Robinson Sr. (G-by or Jakey) was born on January 15, 1950. He was the son of the late Katherine Robinson Saunders. He was raised in the family home of his grandparents the late James David and Mary Bell Williams Robinson on Tipple Hill in Landgraff, W.V.

G-by attended McDowell County Schools and graduated from Northfork High School in 1968, where he was a member of the Basketball team. He joined the United States Army in 1969, where he served two tours during the Vietnam War earning the Bronze Star, National Defense Services Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Campaign Ribbon with Device, and the Marksman Badge with Artillery Rifle Bar. After leaving the military, he attended Bluefield State College (BSC). 

G-by enjoyed eating (particularly fish). He also enjoyed watching Gunsmoke, Little House on the Prairie, the ID Channel, as well as College and Professional Sports. His favorite football team was the Dallas Cowboys, and his favorite basketball teams were the Golden State Warriors and Charlotte Hornets. He liked listening to K-Love radio station and walking Demi, his pet Doberman. G-by loved chatting with his “homeboys” Buck, Ronnie, Booney, Alphonso, and Red. In addition, he liked chatting with Abe, Keith, Wayne, and John, who were all friends he met after moving to Charlotte, N.C.

G-by is survived by his wife of forty-one years, Marva Cheeks Robinson; four children: Erica Allston (Tracey), Clarissa Cheeks (Tracy), Latisha Cheeks, and James Robinson, Jr.; three grandchildren: Ronell II, Qualaizuyia, and Clarence III; three great-grandchildren: Amiya, Ronell III, and Raelyn Rose, all who reside in Charlotte, N.C. Also left to mourn are his siblings: Patricia Smith, Cynthia Hairston, and Carolyn Saunders all of Washington, D.C.; Diane Gravely (Jerry) of Christiansburg, V.A., Mary Saunders of Bluefield, Va., Paristina Saunders of Rockmart, Ga., Joyce Reynolds (Ray) Clairmont, N.C., Michael Saunders, David Saunders of Washington, D.C., Eddie Collins of Hickory, N.C.; Special Aunts: Jean and Jane Robinson, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by Scottie Saunders, Kenny Saunders, Marie Collins Martin, and Claudette Collins Carter.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Wesley Robinson Sr., please visit our floral store.