James H. "Herschel" Robbins' Obituary
James H. “Herschel” Robbins, age 86, of Waynesville, passed away on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Hospice of Butler and Warren Counties. Herschel graduated from Waynesville High School in 1957. Following graduation, he began careers at NCR and Frigidaire, and retired after 27 years with the Inland Division of General Motors in 1999. He also ran a small side business using his carpentry talents to build and remodel homes, which earned him a reputation as a craftsman who could always be trusted.
A man of many interests, Herschel enjoyed hunting deer (whether by gun, bow, or muzzleloader). He competed in a traveling roller hockey league, competitively raced motocross and go-karts, and was a champion ping-pong player. On the water, he was nothing short of legendary. Always strong, confident, and fearless on the water, he was an excellent water-skier who taught countless people how to ski. He skied barefoot, slalom, and always took the bottom row of a pyramid because of his exceptional strength. Spending weeks every summer at Dale Hollow Lake with his family was among his fondest times. He helped organize a close-knit group of Waynesville families who would travel there year after year.
He loved following NASCAR, Ohio State Buckeyes football, Dayton Flyers basketball, and the Cincinnati Bengals. He was a member of the Waynesville Masonic Lodge and the New Freedom Church in Lebanon. He loved his hunting club, being outdoors, and the friendships he built there. Herschel will be remembered for the joy he brought to others, his unmatched work ethic, his entertaining spirit, and the quiet, but powerful, way he showed his love for his family and community.
Herschel is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Bernice; son, Rodney (Holly) Robbins; grandchildren, Chloé (Brian) Heinbaugh, Claire (Steve) Bessler, Collin Robbins, Brynn Lofton, and Bryce Lofton; two great-grandchildren, Conrad and Carly Heinbaugh; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one son, Barry James Robbins; his parents, James and Myrtle Robbins; and his brother, William Emery Robbins.
The family will receive friends from noon until 2 pm on Saturday, December 13, at New Freedom Church in Lebanon. A life celebration service will immediately follow the visitation at 2 pm on Saturday at the church with Joe Shutts officiating. If desired, contributions may be made to Hospice of Butler and Warren Counties or New Freedom Church. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at https://www.stubbsconner.com.
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