John Delmar Robinson, Jr.

John D. Robinson, Jr. known to friends and loved ones as Jack, died on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at Centrica Care Hospice Residence in Battle Creek. He was 76. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, John and Helen (Frederick) Robinson, and stepmom Jule. He lived his life to the fullest, spending his retirement with family, friends, and acquaintances throughout the country. Jack was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and joined the US Marines in 1966. He served ten years in active and reserve duty as well as serving in Vietnam in 1969. Upon his honorable discharge from active duty in 1970, he settled in St. Paul, Minnesota. Graduating from University of Minnesota with a BS degree in Business Administration, he worked in sales and marketing. After St. Paul, he lived in Fargo, North Dakota and Naperville, Illinois. He moved to Arizona in 1984 and in 1990 sought to change careers by attending the University of Arizona, earning a Master’s degree in Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling. During his counseling career, his employers were: La Frontera, Boston University, State of Arizona, State of Michigan, then lastly the Department of Veteran Affairs. He settled in Marshall, Michigan, for nearly twenty years and spent his retirement there. In Marshall, he built strong friendships with those in the community. Jack is survived by his son James Robinson, dear friends Luba Chliwniak and Linda Smith, three siblings, Judy (Jerry) Wagner, Karen (Bob) Heinlein, Chuck (Karen) Robinson. In addition to his own cousins, nieces, and nephews, he enjoyed bonding with Linda’s family, Tara and Charese and their families. Over the holidays, he loved visiting with Dave and Kathy Florko in Novi, Michigan. He especially appreciated his friendship with Brian Munger, who helped him immensely in his final years. Jack loved to travel, tell stories, and visit with friends and family. He cherished the loyal friendships of his Marine Corps buddies— “Semper Fi” (always faithful). A memorial service will be set in Michigan at a future date. He will be buried at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek. In lieu of flowers, Jack would prefer bequests be made to La Frontera Center (504 W. 29th St. Tucson, AZ 85713) or to the family to assist with final hospice expenses.