Your stature is strong, your bone structure thick to withstand the burdens of time. The reflection you see in the mirror…The image that looks back is MINE.
— RuNell Ni Edo
Obituary
With deep sadness, we announce the passing of James Robinson Jr, (endearingly known as Jimbo). James was born on March 23rd, 1947, and passed away on July 18th, 2026. James was born to the union of James Robinson Sr and Lucy Miller in Jackson Mississippi.
James and his two siblings moved to Chicago, Illinois in 1954, to join their mother. James attended Forestville Grammar School and Wendell Phillips Academy High School where he met his wife, Cynthia Williams. James and Cynthia wedded July 20th, 1968, in Chicago Illinois. From their union four children were born, Lisa Parker, Bianca Navarro, Myla Robinson-Jefferson, and Ja’lon Robinson.
James started his career in the United States Army and served during the Vietnam War. After honoring his country, he returned home to his wife and eldest daughter Lisa. After going to trade school and gaining other certifications, James later embarked on a career in Public Safety for several large corporations. He was acknowledged throughout the years for his dedication, hard work, and stellar attendance. He received several awards and professional advancements, leading to his role as Head of Security at The Chicago Mercantile Exchange where he retired in 2012 after 20 plus years of dedicated service.
James, will be remembered for his quiet and observant personality, his soft laugh, jovial sense of humor, straightforward advice, and his loyalty to invested endeavors. Through years of conquering several significant health battles one consistency was his tenacity and grit; that was noted to his very last breath.
James was preceded in death by his wife Cynthia (1996). He leaves behind four children, Lisa (Micheal Sr), Bianca (John Sr), Myla (Eric Jr), and Ja’lon. Also to his legacy are nine grandchildren Michael Parker Jr, Micaela Parker, Jana Navarro, Nena Navarro, Robert Wallace, Mikhi Parker, John Navarro II, Emya Jefferson, and Legend Robinson.
James was blessed with eleven siblings, Reginald Robinson (2018)/Gloria Robinson (2015), Janice Ballard/Harold Ballard, Dhafir Malik/Sahira Malik, Carolyn Smith (2019), Lentric Robinson Sr (1999), Gregory Robinson (2002), Wilbert Robinson (2002) Alanders Robinson (1995), Elaine Robinson, Marvel Robinson, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
The passing of James leaves a space that cannot be filled. Yet the memories, lessons, and moments shared will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know James.
James will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered
Moments
Dad we recently found out about your love for poetry and positive motivational life quotes of affirmations. Below on the memory wall we transcribed the poem we found on your bedside table. This poem highlights the strength, beauty, and love of our African American people.
Gallery
Memory wall
To James Robinson
Your journey becomes however your steps endure even beyond existence
You reach becomes however the stretch of your love will never fear distance
The memory of you becomes the presence that endures steadily with no resistance
And your goodbye becomes an echo exalting your forever presence!
So long mate, brave soldier, father , and man of strength !
Lord, Lord,
Why did You make me Black? Why did You make me someone
The world wants to hold back? Black is the color of dirty clothes;
The color of grimy hands and feet. Black is the color of darkness; The color of tire-beaten streets
Why did you give me thick lips, A broad nose and kinky hair?
Why did You make me someone Who receives the hatred stare?
Black is the color of a bruised eye When somebody gets hurt.
Black is the color of darkness. Black is the color of dirt.
How come my bone structure's so thick; my hips and cheeks are high?
How come my eyes are brown and not the color of the daylight sky?
Why do people think I'm useless? How come I feel so used?
Why do some people see my skin and think I should be abused? Lord, I just don't understand;
What is it about my skin? Why do some people want to hate me
And not know the person within? Black is what people are "listed", When others want to keep them away.
Black is the color of shadows cast. Black is the end of the day.
Lord, You know, my own people mistreat me; And I know this just isn't right.
They don't like my hair or the way I look They say I'm too dark or too light.
Lord, Don't You think it's time For You to make a change?
Why don't You re-do creation And make everyone the same?
(God answered)
Why did I make you black? Why did I make you black?
Get off your knees and look around. Tell Me, what do you see?
I didn't make you in the image of darkness.
I made you in the Likeness of ME! I made you the color of coal
From which beautiful diamonds are formed. I made you the color of oil,
The black-gold that keeps people warm. I made you from the rich, dark earth
That can grow the food you need. Your color’s the same as the panther's
Known for (HER) beauty and speed. Your color’s the same as the Black stallion,
A majestic animal is he. I didn't make you in the Image of darkness
I made you in the Likeness of Me! All the colors of a Heavenly Rainbow
Can be found throughout every nation; And when all those colors were blended well,
YOU BECAME MY GREATEST CREATION. Your hair is the texture of lamb's wool
Such a humble, little creature is he. I am the Shepherd who watches them.
I am the One who will watch over thee. You are the color of midnight-sky,
I put the stars' glitter in your eyes. There's a smile hidden behind your pain
That's the reason your cheeks are high. You are the color of dark clouds formed when I send My strongest weather.
I made your lips full so when you kiss the one you love they will remember. Your stature is strong; your bone structure, thick
to withstand the burdens of time. The reflection you see in the mirror...
The Image looking back at you is MINE!
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