Obituary of Phil James Robinson

Phillip James (PJ) Robinson, 69, of Olympia, Washington, passed away, Wednesday, March 8, 2017, surrounded by his wife and daughters. PJ was born February 17, 1948, in Raymond, Washington to Ronald and Phyllis (Valkema) Robinson. He attended Raymond High School but didn't graduate because he decided to do a burnout on the running track weeks before graduation. On March 9, 1979, he married Sherry Lynn Wheeler in Neilton, Washington. He drove truck, ran a body shop, restored late model cars and raced most of his early life behind the wheel of a dirt late model where he captured numerous victories around Washington and Oregon from 1977-1987. His disease forced him into retirement in 1990. He loved any form of racing, Lady Gaga, his granddaughter Hannah, his dog, Buddy the most, he tolerated the rest of his family. PJ was a smart ass. Always had to have the last word, probably offended more than he knew but that was him. You accepted it. And you loved the ornery old man for the simple fact that was what made him PJ. What most didn't know was the man underneath the tough skin. The whiskey drinking full of life Pacific Northwest wheeler chasing a legendary dream most of his younger years until his body wouldn’t let him. PJ is survived by his wife, Sherry of Olympia, his son, Shannon Robinson of Forks, his daughters, Ami Robinson of Chehalis, Brandi O’Shurak and her husband Adrian of Tumwater, granddaughter, Hannah; grandson Brandon and his wife, three great grandkids; his brother, Roger Robinson of Tumwater and several nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Ronald and Phyllis, and his brother, Jim Robinson of Rochester.