The small town of McAdenville, North Carolina is mourning the loss of its long-serving mayor Jim Robinette, who died on Friday at the age of 80, as town leaders announced on Saturday afternoon, according to WBTV. Robinette's career in public service spanned decades, including his time in the U.S. Army and nearly 20 years on McAdenville's Planning Board and Town Council before becoming mayor in March 2016, a role to which he was appointed and then twice elected, in 2019 and 2023.
During his tenure as mayor, Robinette oversaw the repurposing of a historic property into McAdenville’s Town Hall facility, and the construction of the McAdenville Greenway Park on the South Fork River and he also saw to completion of the South Fork Sewer Project which opened the door to future utility regionalization with the City of Gastonia, as highlighted in a release obtained by WCNC. Mayor Pro-Tem Reid Washam, in a statement cited by WBTV, said, “Mayor Robinette was dedicated to McAdenville and the wellbeing of its residents. Having lived in the town for over 45 years, he knew its history and traditions,” expressing the deep respect and the significance of Robinette's role in the community.
Robinette leaves behind his wife Betty, his daughter Christy and a town that regarded him with deep respect for his commitment to their well-being and progress. Town staff extended their condolences to the Robinette family, with arrangements for the funeral service set for Wednesday, May 21, as per WSOCTV. Family and friends can gather from 10 a.m. until noon at Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park, followed by a service in the chapel and burial at 1 p.m., reported by WCNC.
