Jack B. Robbins

Traverse City – Jack B. Robbins, 91, lifelong resident of Traverse City passed away peacefully on November 29, 2022. Jack was born on April 28, 1931 in Traverse City to the late Elisha and Julia (Iverson) Robbins. He attended the Sabin one-room school house on Cass road and was taught by his older sister Margaret. He graduated from Traverse City High School in 1949. Jack served our country honorably as a member of the United States Air Force from 1951 – 1955. On November 3, 1956 he married Lucille B. Strait at the First Baptist Church. For 54 years they owned and operated their farm, which included the Robbins Farm Market on Cass Road. His passion was farming, growing fruit and vegetables for the market. He also enjoyed his membership in the 2-cylinder tractor club participating in the Mackinaw Bridge crossing 8 times with his 1954 John Deere Orchard tractor. He retired from Parker Motor Freight after 26 years of service. He served on the Garfield planning commission and was a long-time board member of the Boardman River Nature Center. The new bridge over the Boardman river on Cass Road was named in his honor as the Robbins Bridge and the kayak portage as Jack's landing. Jack loved being involved and spending time with his family and friends. He and Lucille spent 20 plus winters in Alamo Texas. Jack is survived by his children Rick Robbins of Traverse City, Cherry (Robert Blonshine) Robbins of Lake Ann, Randy Robbins and Dan( Pam) Robbins, of Traverse City; grandchildren, Joshua (Jasmine) Winowiecki of RAF Lakenheath Air base, UK, Zack (Mel) Winowiecki of Traverse City, Tyler Winowiecki of Salt Lake City, Utah, Taylor, Josie, Hunter, Jordan, Emily and Jenna Robbins of Traverse City; great grandchildren Sophia Winowiecki, Emily Winowiecki , Evangaline Winowiecki, of RAF Lakenheath Air Base, UK, Lydia and Ben Winowiecki of Traverse City, Connor and Devin Winowiecki of Palos Verde California . Jack was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife Lucille, grandson Brandon and brothers Robert and James; sisters Jayne Fisher and Margaret Brinkman. The memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 11:00 am at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 10 am. The family has asked that rather than flowers, Jack be remembered through a memorial contribution to the Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City, MI 49685 or online at www.gtcd.org/nature-center. Please share your memories of Jack with his family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Jack B. Robbins

April 28, 1931 - November 29, 2022