James M. Robbins May 9, 1935 July 29, 2013 Portland- James M. Robbins, 78, passed away on July 29, 2013 surrounded by his family, at Maine Medical Center following a brief illness. James was born in Portland, Maine on May 9, 1935, the son of Henry and Gertrude Ross Robbins. He graduated from Portland High School in the class of 1954. He went on to further his education at Portland Junior College and the University of Maine at Orono, studying Engineering. He worked for thirty five years at E.C. Jordan Engineering Company and was a Licensed Land Surveyor. James retired from the City of Portland as the Chief Archivist in 2005. James was a devoted family man and had a wonderful sense of humor. He was an avid reader and consumed knowledge with a voracious appetite. James especially loved history, and was a member of the Joshua Chamberlin Knights of the Round Table. His sharp wit and enthusiasm for knowledge made him a great conversationalist. James was a skilled carpenter and his projects adorn the homes of friends and family. He built a wooden boat in 1972, that became the focus of many summer outings and which the family still uses and treasures. James was a lifelong fisherman and shared his passion with his daughters, nephews and friends. His fishing stories were surprisingly truthful, but invariably hilarious. He was communicant of Saint Pius X Roman Catholic Church and served on the Parish Council. James had remarkable tenacity and patiences when faced with a dilemma and would persevere to find the solution. He was a man upon whom you could rely and trust. James was predeceased by his parents; a son Joseph Robbins; a sister Maryann Dinsmore. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years Sharon Kelly Robbins; two daughters Judy Robbins and Jean Robbins Fearing and her husband Stephen; two adoring grandsons Caleb and Gabriel Shields; many nieces and nephews and his Grand Dog Sammy. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, August 2, 2013, from 4-7 pm at A.T. Hutchins Funeral & Cremation Services, 660 Brighton Ave, Portland, ME. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 am on Saturday, August 3, 2013 at St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church, 492 Ocean Ave, Portland, ME . Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland, ME. Those who wish may make contributions in James memory to his grandson's Preschool: Children's Odyssey, PO Box 6038, Falmouth, ME 04105 To offer words of condolence and share memories with the family, please go to www.athutchins.com Paste and format obituary text here.