Andrew Jack Robertson

1922 - 2012

Andrew Jack Robertson, 90, died at his home in Arlington early Saturday morning, March 31, 2012. Graveside service: was Wednesday in Moore Memorial Gardens. Dr. James E. Scirratt of First Baptist Church, Arlington, officiated. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the widow suggests contributions be made to RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, Mich., publishers of Our Daily Bread. Jack was born Jan. 11, 1922, on a farm near Forney, son of James Walter Robertson and Manie Elizabeth Johnson Robertson. He attended Forney High School and received letters in both football and basketball, graduating in May 1939. With the unfolding of World War II, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Sept. 28, 1942, and following basic training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Base, he was assigned to the battleship USS Idaho as a gunner's mate. On the USS Idaho, Jack served in combat operations in the Pacific throughout the war: off the coast of the Aleutian Islands of Attu and Kiska; in the bombardment of Kwajalein, Saipan, and Guam in the South Pacific; and in the heavily contested invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, there surviving intensive suicide kamikaze attacks by Japanese aircraft. Jack was on the USS Idaho when it was one of seven U.S. battleships witnessing the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay on Sept. 2, 1945. Jack married his high school sweetheart, Juanita Jo Roark, at the home of her parents in Forney on Oct. 31, 1944. The couple was the parents of twin girls, Iva Lou and Eva Lou, born May 30, 1946. Unhappily, both girls lived only a short period. In 1947, Jack was employed by Austin Building Corporation and soon became superintendent on major construction projects for the company. These projects took Jack and Juanita to Trinidad, Texas; Wagoner, Okla.; Benton, Ark.; and Sweetwater. In the latter half of his career, Jack made his home in Arlington, serving as the corporation's primary liaison with Dallas Power and Light Company. Jack closed a highly successful career with Austin Industries, Sept. 25, 1987, retiring after almost 40 years of dedicated service. Jack was a devoted Christian, loving husband, and a patriotic member of "The Greatest Generation." He and Juanita were longtime members of the First Baptist Church, Arlington. He was successful in his chosen profession, enjoying a highly respected reputation in the construction industry, and his character was above reproach. He was a true friend to all who knew him. Survivors: He is survived by his devoted wife, Juanita of Arlington; sister-in-law, Marie Pickens of Arlington; brother-in-law, John J. Roark and wife, Aggie, of Dallas; niece, Sarah Schermerhorn and husband, Stanley, of Argyle; niece, Barbara McDonald and husband, Bill, of Hooks; nephew, Glen Robertson and wife, Cheryl, of Hot Springs Village, Ark.; nephew, Scott Robertson and wife, Chris, of Double Oak; and nephew, Daniel L. Roark and wife, Cyndy, of Farmers Branch.