John Thomas Robinson
August 16, 2023
October 10, 1945 — August 16, 2023
John Thomas Robinson of Charlotte, N.C., departed this world on August 16, 2023, with the same spirit in which he lived – strong and resolute – following a battle with cancer. He was 77 years old.
Born on October 10, 1945, to Thomas and Selina Robinson, John attended Paramus High School in New Jersey and ran track at New York University (NYU). He went through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at NYU, joining the Army in 1967 as an Infantry Officer and serving his country in Vietnam from 1970-1971.
Through events only truly known by immediate family (other than to say through some shenanigans and a little harmless trickery), John found his way to flight school while serving in the military. It was there his love of flying and fascination with helicopters truly developed and he was a natural, saving his fellow soldiers and the wounded from enemy lines. True to form, John received a variety of medals for heroism and valor during his service, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, awarded to persons distinguished by single acts of heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.
John’s first aviation job after his return stateside was with Charlotte’s WBTV News. It was at that time he joined the North Carolina National Guard, eventually being hired by the Guard full-time to assist with aerial drug eradication, identifying drug locations and criminal activity from the air. He served his country against the war on drugs for over 20 years, retiring in 2007 as a Chief Warrant Officer 5, the highest warrant rank possible.
Described by friends and family as no-nonsense, cool under pressure, quietly witty, exceptionally intelligent, brave, and a true American hero, John found community in retirement. He loved boating, waterskiing, corvettes, and local watering holes. Task-oriented from his long military career, you would find John at Lucky Lou’s Tavern every early evening at 5:14 p.m. on the nose, earning him the well-deserved nickname “John Five Fourteen.” He’d enjoy a Bud “heavy” from the bottle (two beers according to his sons; three beers according to his longtime friend and bartender) and would always be home in time for Jeopardy.
John is survived by his brother Patrick (Liz) Robinson and their son, Brady; his two sons Eric (Kristen) Robinson and Sean (Dana) Robinson, both of Charlotte, N.C.; and his stepdaughter Dami Johnson of Mt. Airy, N.C. Surviving grandchildren include Kaila McHenry (Andrew), Kade Robinson, Reilly Robinson, Ava Robinson and Connor Robinson.
The family will hold a service Saturday September 9, 2023 at the Belk Chapel, 2287 Radcliffe Ave, Charlotte NC 28274. Visitation will be at 1:00pm and the Memorial Service at 2:00pm, followed by an informal gathering at Lucky Lou’s for a Bud heavy and story time.
Those who will always love John take heart that he is once again able to fly. And if you are so inclined, we ask that you raise a glass in honor of his life of service tonight at Five Fourteen.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s honor to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service. 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.
Comments
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John Robinson Reunion FINAL
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✓ From the time I can remember, I was known to John’s friends as his kid brother Pat. He was 10 years older than I was, and had friends like Butch Turner, Al Kubrick, Pete Kessler, Jimi Carpenter,Billy Thompson coming in and out of the house all the time. When our house was sold, “ basil was here" was still Magic markered on our the basement door. I remember John trying to make an automatic family car into a “three on the tree”hot car in the driveway. It had to be a stick if John was going to consider it his car. I think it ended up at a junkyard. Nice try!
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John was a great brother. I remember him taking me to the Korvettes fair and talking about the guy who rode around on a wall on a motorcycle. I couldn’t wait. But that night, he filled me up with so much cotton candy, coated peanuts and popcorn that as soon as the biker started spinning around and around, I got dizzy.. John was quick to notice, and got me out just in time. Thanks John!
◦ I admit he was a bit of a mythical older brother. By the time I was seven he was already graduating PHS a track star and moving on to college.
◦ Mom knew John well. She bought the brand new RCA color TV they had just come out with when he moved. It didn’t take long before John made it a ritual to grab a couple of friends would leave the Fordham NYU campus to drive down rt4 to watch Captain Kirk, the “Our Man Flint” of the universe, cruising the stars on Star Trek. There would always be a Manero”s Pizza in the mix. Mom was in heaven
◦ And as for dad, John made him proud every day. Dad couldn't help but smile from ear to ear whenever John was around him. We would go to track meets when John ran for NYU and we’d cheer him on. Dad and John had a very special bond. John talked dad into buying Sports cars my father had no right getting behind the wheel of. Dad trying to learn how to shift gears on an MGB sports car almost totaled the car. There were summers on fire Island, where John learned, how much he loved speed boats. When John graduated college he was drafted into the army . We visited him during basic training. I don't think dad got more than a few hours of sleep a night during the next few years after John got on the plane to Vietnam
On a more serious note,… though the distinguished flying cross is the 4th highest honor you can recieve in the military, he never bragged about it. And like the medals he got running track for Lou Lanzillotta, he was a consistent overachiever. As many of you had to endure during that time The Draft changed everything.
He flew into jungles to save men he didn’t know and would probably never see again. I can't imagine how many wounded men he watched get on his helicopter, desperate to get back to the base alive.
In fact, If there are pearly gates John will have to shake hands with the countless people he saved in Vietnam, and the 25 years after that flying medical evac,… and in the national guard disaster relief he did, picking people off of rooftops during hurricanes like Floyd…. and as important, shaking hands with all of the people he tried his best to save but couldn’t. As a dear friend, Sam, His life was about selflessly serving others. Who does that. Your classmate John Robinson did.
On our last morning together, I named some names and told him there were many people from Paramus high school that had him in their prayers. I told him that he raised two amazing sons, who are great fathers and raising children of their own. I told him he he was a hero to me and I expected him to tell me to just shut up. This time he held out his hand to shake mine and told me he loved us. He hadn't done that my earlier trip to see him. It was one of the most profound moments of our lives together and I told him that as we said, goodbye. I'm sure you all know how much he loved his high school years and looked forward to seeing dear friends at these reunions. He said to send you all love and kisses. It was one of my favorite sign offs he said at the end of phone calls for decades. I’ll miss him saying love and kisses most of all.
I want to share something I read recently.. Nothing you love is lost. Not really. Loved ones, pets, people—they always go away, sooner or later. You can’t hold onto them, any more than you can hold onto moonlight. But if they’ve touched you, if they’re inside you, then they’re still yours. The only things you ever really have are the ones you hold dear… and love from the bottom of your heart. Just because someone has to leave, doesn't mean the relationship ends. Time slowly creates the distance we need to remember cherished moments like the ones we all had together with my incredible brother..
are IP my dear brother. We will miss you more than you know.
Family
The tree is one wood…
Climbing in as many directions as the stars
Higher and further apart through the season
Until leap and blossom dance together as one again
In the soft sway of time
And I know I will see you again. -
We graduated high school together and also owned mg rosters in the 60 we would race in the cemetery it was a great road course! We sure lites many a bud over the years a great friend and fellow vet who saw combat will miss his wit and friendly sarcasm
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