BRUCE JACKSON "B.J." ROBBINS died on October 1, 2007 at the age of 73. He was born May 2, 1934 in Llano, Texas. He was the fifth and second youngest child to John Charles Robbins and Hattie Ray Wimberly Robbins. He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years Bettie Lois Fowler Robbins and his children Stephen Mark Robbins, Bruce Jay Robbins and Rebecca Ann Moore. He is also survived by two of his siblings, Marie Dell Robbins and Shirley Ann Patterson. Born in difficult times and to modest means, B.J. dropped out of school in the 5th grade and began working as a carpenter's helper to support his family.

In 1951 he joined the armed forces (Air Force) and served his country proudly for 8 years, 4 in active duty during the Korean Conflict and 4 more as a reservist. Upon completion of his military service, B.J. continued to hone his ways in the construction arena. Now more mature and eager to expand his knowledge of the industry, he moved into other aspects of the building business. In 1959 he married his wife Bettie and together they started their family and his home building career. B.J. was a founder of many of the communities that are still the core of Houston today. Residential construction became his forte and he was instrumental in the foundation of a number of subdivisions that contributed to the expansion of Houston in many directions. Spring Branch, Spring Valley, Spring Woods, Memorial, Champions, Humble, collectively accounted for hundreds of homes that continue to alter the landscape of Houston today.

Known then as "The boy Builder", B.J. made his first million dollars by age 35, an incredible feat for anyone with a 5th grade education. He lived by the ideal that if you apply yourself, there is nothing that cannot be accomplished regardless of the obstacles. "Can't never could do a thing" is what he would say. "If it doesn't kill you, it will just make you stronger." Generosity is too small a word for this man. In addition to regularly contributing to many charities, he would give the shirt off his back to a complete stranger if they were in need. His free-time passions were hunting and fishing. He was an expert marksman and lived by the credo "Never kill anything you are not going to eat". The man loved to fish and had a level of patience that was comparable only to that of job.

He was a loving husband, a wonderful father and a Paw Paw to three. Cody Cameron Robbins, Katie Lynn Moore and Joshua David Moore. They were his pride and joy. Sweetheart, Dad, Paw Paw we love you so very much. The world was a better place with you in it, but the world is a better place still because you were here. In lieu of contribution, the family asks that you help someone in need. This is the philosophy that B.J. lived by, he never met a stranger. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Published in Houston Chronicle on Oct. 7, 2007

Bruce Jackson Robbins