TOP PHOTO:  County Mayor E.L. Morton presented Joy Robinson with a plaque at Tuesday evening’s commission meeting declaring Jan. 22, 2020 as Jim Robinson Appreciation Day in honor of her husband’s efforts in establishing the first recycling program in the county.

Joy Robinson accepted a plaque dedicated to her deceased husband Jim Robinson for his efforts in creating the first recycling program in Campbell County.

By:  Charlotte Underwood

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – La Follette native Jim Robinson was honored by Campbell County Mayor E.L. Morton and the county commission on Tuesday evening. The commission declared Jan. 22, 2020 as Jim Robinson Appreciation Day. Robinson’s wife Joy accepted the award since Robinson passed away in the fall of 2019. He was recognized and honored by the county for his “vast” community service in the Valley View area and the creation and support of the recycling program. He established the first recycling center in Campbell County at Valley View and taught recycling to students and staff at Valley View School beginning in the 1990s. Robinson secured a grant from TVA in 1991 to start the program. A recycling and nature area was even constructed behind the school.

Every spring for 28 years, Robinson led a day long Earth Day celebration on the Valley View School campus.  For his work in recycling and nature related projects, he was also named the Tennessee Environmentalist of the Year.

A Navy veteran, Robinson, was also an accomplished sky diver and underwater diver, and motorcyclist. “Although Jim Robinson is no longer with us, his legacy of community service inspires us today and sets a high standard for future generations,” Morton said.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 01/23/2020-6AM)