Robert Jack Corber

Robert J. Corber died on January 25, 2011 after an extended illness. Known to family and friends as “Jack,� he spent sixteen happy years as an active community member of Williamsburg. Born on June 29, 1926, Jack grew up on a rural Kansas farm before moving to Topeka, KS for high school. Graduating early, he joined the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the Navy V-12 Training Program at the University of Kansas where he earned a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Upon college graduation, Jack was sent to the Naval Air Station at Patuxent River, MD, where he was a flight test engineer. After completing his law degree at the University of Michigan, Jack became an associate at the law firm of Steptoe and Johnson in Washington, D.C. in 1951. His career focus was transportation and Jack enjoyed arguing cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals. While practicing law, Jack became involved in politics, serving as State Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia. Nominated by President Gerald Ford, Jack served as Commissioner of the Interstate Commerce Commission for two years. He rejoined Steptoe and Johnson until his retirement as a senior partner in 1996 when he moved to Williamsburg with his wife, Debbie. Over the past sixteen years, Jack has been an active member of the Colonial Capital Kiwanis Club, the Middle Plantation Club, Williamsburg United Methodist Church, The Christopher Wren Association and Governor’s Land at Two Rivers where he served on the Board of Directors. With Corber Custom Tours, Jack and Debbie traveled extensively with their many friends to France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Turkey, Hungary, The Czech Republic, Canada and South Africa. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Alva Forrest and Katherine Corber; and his first wife, Joan Corber. Survivors include his beloved wife, Deborah Corkey-Corber; his brother, Billy G. Corber and wife Hope, sister, Patricia A. Corber Smith and husband, Frank; his four children, Janet Corber Link and husband, Gary Link, Suzanne Corber, Wesley S. Corber and wife Pam Corber, and Robert Corber II and Kent Sargent; grandson, Jeffrey Corber; stepson, Christopher Corkey and wife Gabrielle Bergmann, and granddaughter, Maya Grace Corkey. The family will receive friends Monday, January 31, 6-8 p.m. at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd, Williamsburg. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, February 1 at 2 p.m. at Williamsburg United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hospice House of Williamsburg, 4445 Powhatan Parkway, Williamsburg, VA 23188; or the Agape Fund at Williamsburg United Methodist Church, 500 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185. Online condolences may be expressed at www.nelsencares.com.