Roll Call Tribute

James Wayne Robinson, Sr. 

November 18, 1943 - January 4, 2024 

James Wayne Robinson passed away on January 4, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones in Houston, Tx. Wayne was born on November 18, 1943, to Cleo Adams Robinson and James Donald (J.D.) Robinson. He leaves behind a legacy of love and friendship that will be remembered for generations to come.

Wayne was born and raised in Houston, Tx and attended Roosevelt Elementary, Burbank Jr. High, and graduated from Sam Houston High school in 1963. He very proudly graduated from Texas A&M University in 1968 with his B.S. degree in Economics. While in high school, Wayne met the love of his life Judy Ann McVey, they dated for five years and married over Christmas vacation from college on December 19, 1964. This past December they celebrated 59 amazing years of marriage.

Just out of college, he went to work for Central Welding Supply in outside sales (Owned by Jim Baughman and Wayne Mann) which turned out to be a golden opportunity for his success. In 1978, he decided to go into the construction business, building and leasing out buildings, Wayne always intended to go into business for himself. Northwinds Construction Inc. was then established in 1985. He became President of the company that is still operated by family today, after 39 years, in the Houston Metro complex. Then M&M Erectors was purchased (1988), followed only recently by the establishment of Apollo Commercial Capital. We want to give credit to the major influence that Johnie Schulte had on his life.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Wayne was a wonderful son, husband, beloved father, grandfather, and brother. He was a cherished friend and respected mentor to many. His wisdom and generosity enriched the lives of all who knew him. Friends knew his door was always open. Wayne’s relaxed demeanor was always accompanied by a handshake and a smile. He was such a good man who truly wanted to take care of everyone he knew. Wayne has a gift of true leadership with the ability to be an unbelievable problem solver. Wayne was a very humble man that loved the Lord and he wanted to help others any way he could. Wayne and Judy are members of the Southeast Church of Christ.

Having lived in the Friendswood area since 1974, Wayne, Judy and their three sons, along with their families, all enjoyed spending time at their lake house in Kingsland, Texas for vacations, holidays, and weekends. Along the way, they made many lasting friendships by getting involved with their antique car club, Bayou City Cruisers, which turned into a group of lifelong friends.

In the end, Wayne cherished his wife Judy, loved his sons and their families and was so proud of their accomplishments. He cared so deeply for the welfare of all his friends and employees at Northwinds Construction. Wayne is survived by his wife, Judy Robinson, and sons, Jim Wayne Robinson, Jr. and wife April, Lon Christopher Robinson, Jeffery Robinson and wife Kimber; grandchildren, Trevor Robinson and wife Amber, Sydney Robinson, Sienna Robinson; great grand-daughter, Harper White; nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by parents, J.D. and Cleo Robinson; sister, Patricia McClendon and her husband, Tommy McClendon; daughter-in-law, Kristi Robinson; mother and father-in-law, Eula and Lon McVey; sisters-in-law, Norma Shunfield, and Lonnell Mann.

Friends are cordially invited to the visitation with the family on Friday, January 19, 2024, at 10:00A.M. at Southeast Church of Christ, 2400 W Bay Area Blvd, Friendswood, Tx. 77546. The funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00A.M. A luncheon will be served at Hope Village following the service.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations can be made in Wayne’s memory to Hope Village at 15403 Hope Village Road, Friendswood, Tx 77546 or to the Southeast Church of Christ.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 2:00P.M. at Lakeland Hills Memorial Park, 4219 Park Rd. 4 S, Burnet, Tx 78611.

Pallbearers are Bobby Hanson, Richard Mann, Jake Leissner, Joe Bettis, Joe Auippa, Russel Ginn, and Mark Mann. Honorary Pallbearers are Wayne Mann, Dan Bettis, Gary Kolkhorst, Rex Brown, Ray Dudley, and Charles Adams.