John Thomas Robinson
October 10, 1945 — August 16, 2023
John Thomas Robinson of Charlotte, N.C., departed this world on August 16, 2023, with the same spirit in which he lived – strong and resolute – following a battle with cancer. He was 77 years old.
Born on October 10, 1945, to Thomas and Selina Robinson, John attended Paramus High School in New Jersey and ran track at New York University (NYU). He went through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at NYU, joining the Army in 1967 as an Infantry Officer and serving his country in Vietnam from 1970-1971.
Through events only truly known by immediate family (other than to say through some shenanigans and a little harmless trickery), John found his way to flight school while serving in the military. It was there his love of flying and fascination with helicopters truly developed and he was a natural, saving his fellow soldiers and the wounded from enemy lines. True to form, John received a variety of medals for heroism and valor during his service, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, awarded to persons distinguished by single acts of heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.
John’s first aviation job after his return stateside was with Charlotte’s WBTV News. It was at that time he joined the North Carolina National Guard, eventually being hired by the Guard full-time to assist with aerial drug eradication, identifying drug locations and criminal activity from the air. He served his country against the war on drugs for over 20 years, retiring in 2007 as a Chief Warrant Officer 5, the highest warrant rank possible.
Described by friends and family as no-nonsense, cool under pressure, quietly witty, exceptionally intelligent, brave, and a true American hero, John found community in retirement. He loved boating, waterskiing, corvettes, and local watering holes. Task-oriented from his long military career, you would find John at Lucky Lou’s Tavern every early evening at 5:14 p.m. on the nose, earning him the well-deserved nickname “John Five Fourteen.” He’d enjoy a Bud “heavy” from the bottle (two beers according to his sons; three beers according to his longtime friend and bartender) and would always be home in time for Jeopardy.
John is survived by his brother Patrick (Liz) Robinson and their son, Brady; his two sons Eric (Kristen) Robinson and Sean (Dana) Robinson, both of Charlotte, N.C.; and his stepdaughter Dami Johnson of Mt. Airy, N.C. Surviving grandchildren include Kaila McHenry (Andrew), Kade Robinson, Reilly Robinson, Ava Robinson and Connor Robinson.
The family will hold a service Saturday September 9, 2023 at the Belk Chapel, 2287 Radcliffe Ave, Charlotte NC 28274. Visitation will be at 1:00pm and the Memorial Service at 2:00pm, followed by an informal gathering at Lucky Lou’s for a Bud heavy and story time.
Those who will always love John take heart that he is once again able to fly. And if you are so inclined, we ask that you raise a glass in honor of his life of service tonight at Five Fourteen.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s honor to the charity of your choice.
