James "Jim" Edwin Robinette Jr., age 80 passed away on Friday, May 16, 2025.
He was born on October 19, 1944 in Lincolnton, NC to the late Ed and Louise Robinette.
Jim honorably served our country in the United States Army. Following his military service, he enjoyed a successful 30-year career in telecommunications before retiring.
Continuing a proud family tradition of public service, Jim followed in his father's footsteps and dedicated himself to serving the community through local government. He began his civic journey on the Planning Board, was later elected to the Town Council, and ultimately appointed Mayor of McAdenville, affectionately known as “Christmas Town USA.” Over more than 20 years, Jim devoted his time and leadership to the town he loved.
In his free time, Jim embraced life with enthusiasm. When he wasn't spending time with his family, he enjoyed bowling, golfing, and shooting pool, and he especially loved cruising in his beloved Corvette. He also took great pride in renovating his lifelong home, always putting care and craftsmanship into every project.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in passing by his daughter, Amy Robinette.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty P. Robinette; daughter, Christy Anastasi and husband Tom; grandchildren, Alex Harris, Nicholas Anastasi, Susanna Bowman and husband Jonathan, and Richard Isrel; great grandchildren, Gracie, Sophia, Henry, Thomas, Oliver, Charley, and Evan; and his dear cousin, Judy Rankin.
A visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park with the Celebration of Life Service beginning at 12:00 pm. A committal service will follow at Gaston Memorial Park.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society for Multiple Myeloma or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
FAMILY
Betty P. Robinette Wife
Christy Anastasi (Tom) Daughter
Alex Harris Granddaughter
Nicholas Anastasi Grandson
Susanna Bowman (Jonathan) Granddaughter
Richard Isrel Grandson
Judy Rankin Dear Cousin
Jim also leaves behind his great grandchildren, Gracie, Sophia, Henry, Thomas, Oliver, Charlieand Evan to cherish his memory.
A tribute to
Robinette,
an area
champion
Diane Turbyfill
Gaston Gazette
USA TODAY NETWORK
After nearly a decade in office, the
mayor of Christmas Town USA has
passed away.
McAdenville Mayor Jim Robinette
died Friday.
Robinette, 80, served as mayor
since being appointed in March 2016.
He was elected in 2O19 and re-elected
in 2023.
"Mayor Robinette was dedicated to
McAdenville and the wellbeing of its
residents. Having lived in the town for
over 45 years, he knew its history and
traditions," Mayor Pro-Tem Reid
Washam said in a press release. "More
than that, he respected that history
and tradition. He was respected by the
community as evidenced by his appointment,
election and reelections."
Robinette began his journey in public
service at a young age.
McAdenville Mayor Jim Robinette
speaks to the crowd of over 1OO
people during the 68th Tree Lighting
Ceremony held Dec. 1, 2023, in
McAdenville.
He served in the United States Army and served the town
on either its planning board or town
council for nearly 2O Years.
"The town of McAdenville has lost an
irreplaceable town official and friend,"
the press release said.
Robinette shepherded numerous accomplishments
for the town during his
time as mayor.
Those included:
o The purchase and repurposing of.a
historic ploperty into the McAdenville's
Town Hall facility
o The construction of the McAdenville
Greenway Park on the South Fork
River and the completion of the South
Fork Sewer Proiect, which opened the
door to a future utility regionalization
with the city of Gastonia.
Robinette leaves behind his wife,
Betty, daughter, Christy, and countless
others.
