James F. Robbins, Korean War Veteran, Longtime High School Teacher, Dies At 87

Courtesy of Damiano Funeral Home:

James F. Robbins of Eatontown, died peacefully at home on Friday, June 30, 2017. He was 87.

Born in Long Branch, he lived the past 52 years in Eatontown. Mr. Robbins was an English teacher at Raritan High School for 30 years where he directed plays and musicals, taught journalism and mentored the newspaper and yearbook.

He was a graduate of Star of the Sea Lyceum, Red Bank Catholic, Monmouth Junior College and Seton Hall University, where he earned a master's degree.

He was a member of the Jersey Shore, Ocean and the Freehold Running Clubs and as well as a contributing writer for several local papers. He served his country honorably with the U.S. Army in Korea.

He was predeceased by his parents, James and Marie Braney Robbins; his brother John Robbins; and his daughter, Lisa Zehring. Surviving are his wife of 49½ years, Marianne Grandinetti Robbins; two sons, Mark Zehring and Stephen Zehring and his wife Donna; a daughter, Gretchen Zehring Caplan and her husband Scott; six grandchildren, Stephen and his wife Amanda, Courtney, Kyle, Torrey, Kiernan and Mackenzie; his niece, Lynn Porter and his nephew, Vincent Robbins and their families; teaching colleagues, former students, running friends and e-mail pals.

Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. until the time of the service at 4 p.m. at the Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Avenue, Long Branch. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Fulfill (The Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties), 3300 State Highway 66, Neptune, NJ 07753. Letters of condolence may be sent through the web at www.damianofuneralhome.com.

Image: Patch file photo