Dr. James Frank Robinson

r. James Frank Robinson was born December 31, 1941 in Jackson, Tennessee to James Robinson & Daphne Robinson (Mays).  He was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday November 17, 2016 in the peace of his residence in Edmond, Oklahoma.  He was 74 years young.
James was raised in the Lord from childhood in the Methodist Church in Jackson, Tennessee.  In Oklahoma James was faithful in his attendance and giving as a member of St. Andrews United Methodist and Christ United Methodist Church (Christ Experience).  In recent years he regularly worshipped the Lord at Peoples Church (Pastor Herbert Cooper) in fellowship with a multitude of his former students whom he dearly loved.
James belonged to and held office in many professional and social
oganizations throughout his life, ROTC, Rotary Club, Phi Delta Kappa, Huntsmans Club, National Merit Scholarship Advisory Board, and many many others.  He was most proud of his fraternity Omega Psi Phi 1961.  Most notably in the 1980’s he served 2 terms as Basileus Eta Iota and was Omega Man of the Year.
James was born with the gift of leadership and excelled as an Academic, always at the very top of his class.  He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Tennessee State University, an MBA from The University of Kansas and a PhD from The University of Oklahoma.    To be an Educator and High School Principal was the clear calling on his work life which began in the turbulence of integration, busing and the movement toward civil rights for our people.   His career began in the 1960’s as a high school teacher and basketball coach at Manual High School in Kansas City, Missouri.  He was quickly elevated to assistant principal at one of Kansas City’s largest and most modern high schools to be integrated at that time.  He cared deeply about the education and the development of his students and teachers and was a master at managing and maintaining stable and civil relationships with his staff,  school boards,  administration, students and families that he served.  In 1971 he was recruited by Oklahoma City Public Schools and served the communities of Northeast , John Marshall , Grant, Capitol Hill and Star Spencer High Schools until his retirement.  His students knew him as ‘down for them’, in touch, always approachable and sharp as a tack every day.  He loved those kids.  The words “I can’t” did not exist in his vocabulary and he encouraged that mindset in his students and teachers alike.  To lead and guide his students to value education, to be a responsible citizen and pursue a successful life was his passion.  His was a job well done.
James, “Tink” to his family and childhood friends lived a full, well rounded and fun-filled life.  He found humor and a silver lining in even the most dire of the down times of his life.  He truly knew how to creatively accentuate and make the very best of the positives and disregard the negatives of life.  He pursued his many interests with a passion and without fear.  He collected vintage cars and he loved fishing and hunting and ate what he killed.  He loved animals and raised horses, pigs, cows, guineas  and bird dogs.  James loved to talk, laugh and joke around with his buddies.  He loved gatherings with friends and family, fish frys, barbeques, and lively music and he was ALWAYS up for a party.  He loved adventure and travel and he was an AVID sports fan.   Later in life when his health and mobility failed him, he trusted in God to carry him and he still let no grass grow under his feet.  If the word was go he never said No…  He was a rascal and we loved him and will miss him dearly.

The memories of James “Tink” will be cherished by his children Darryl Robinson,  Danta Robinson (Mason), Step Son Steve Hudson  (Danielle).  3 Sisters;  Dr. Brenda Shaw- NC, Patricia Robinson-TX, Constance Robinson- GA, Grandchildren Don James Mason-TX, Nia Marie Mason- OK, Kristopher Robinson-Boyd - Indiana,  Nephew Darricus Shaw- TN  and Nieces Dr. Stacy Shaw-Alabama, Shavon (Robinson) Macon Spouse Cernyn - Missouri;  Beloved lifelong friend  and  cousin Johnny Churchill - OK and a host of extended family and friends.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his brother Levon
“Bobby” Robinson.