James Robinson, apartment 812, passed away Sunday, July 5th in this building, following a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. He was 82 years old. James was born on December 15, 1937, in Newton, Massachusetts. He came from a largely Irish heritage, his mom and his paternal grandmother being born in Ireland.
When he was seven years old his father, Joseph Kenzere was killed in action in WWII. This changed the course of his life. But he made the best of things and while in the army, stationed in Alabama, was an instructor in the Signal Corp. He worked for the IBM corporation early on and they supported his gaining a Bachelor of Arts degree (cum laude) at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York. He also earned a certificate in Accounting from Salt Lake Community college.
While in Salt Lake City he worked fro the Sperry Rand Corporation, among other things. He retired here. His curiosity and keen mind kept him working at solving problems and learning new things. He spent part of most days at the Salt Lake City Library checking things out!!! (pun intended). He was very sociable, liked and respected by the Friendship Manor residents. And up until very recently he was very active and healthy.
Jim was born Coleman Frances Kenzer. While he was in high school his mother remarried. He was adopted by his stepfather and his last name changed to Martel. Later, when he moved to Newport Beach, California, which he loved, he legally changed his name to James H. Robinson, after a captain he had in the army who took a more special interest in him than he had experienced in hi s family to that point. He will be remembered fondly and greatly missed by his friends and close associates. James will be interred at Larkin Sunset Lawn, Salt Lake City, Utah.
