During our journey through life, we are blessed when we encounter special kindness — those spirits that touch our hearts and bring something extra to the table. It saddened me to learn that James (Jim) Hayes Robinson, Jr. had passed away. He was an easy-going man, although I used to “gently” tease him that his last name was misspelled. In an unstable world, Jim was a solid who inspired others to be more thoughtful and kind.
I have a soft spot in my heart for children fostered from a difficult childhood; it is important that we give kids positive messages of encouragement, and Jim helped me to see that with more clarity.
My first memory of Big Jim was being a student at Idaho State University. He was a male cheerleader (they weren’t common “way” back then), and I was envious that he spent his time tossing sparkling cheerleaders about. There were many attractive lassies rallying fans when I attended Idaho State, but Jim was the one who especially stoked our rabid Bengal fire.
The obituary written regarding Jim was sweet and thoughtful. It captured the essence of “Big Jim.” I always thought of him as being a big, gentle Jim. He was near a giant, but I never saw him use his size to intimidate others.
When our children were young, Jim and I co-coached a softball team. He was so patient with the kids. Jim made sure each one knew they were part of the team. He encouraged every child at bat and cheered them on after every hit. We were teaching elemental stuff, and it was an honor and a pleasure coaching with Jim.
At the end of the baseball season, each player was supposed to receive a trophy for their participation. For some reason, we lacked one for my son. I told Jim not to worry about it — “that it wasn’t a big deal.”
Jim didn’t bat an eye and set me straight in a matter of seconds. He said, “Jesse, you wrong! It is important all of the kids receive a trophy for participating. I’ll get one ordered ASAP.” The dude was beyond right — I thanked him for his forthright lesson — as his obituary noted, Jim had a “firm understanding of what was important…”
Back in those college days, I went with another friend, Jim Cunningham, to the infamous Bengal Hut. The place was a popular college hang-out where you could drink at the age of 19. Cunningham is a dear friend I met who taught me how to hang sheetrock at the Boise Cascade house “factory” that used to exist by the Pocatello Airport.
They were having an arm wrestling contest at the Bengal Hut that night. My two friends, Big Jim and Strong Jim (a former high school heavyweight wrestling champion), squared off to arm wrestle. I had no idea who would win — I wasn’t sure who to cheer for — a tie would have been celebrated by me.
When it was over one Jim was victorious, and the other was magnanimous in defeat. It would have been the same if the other humble Jim had won — I have been lucky to have such classy friends in my life.
Big, gentle Jim was an extraordinary man and a wonderful teacher. A friend told me the church overflowed with love, laughter, tears and respect as his spirit was honored; a great soul has ambled on with grace.
(1) comment
Thank you, Jesse. Jim Robinson was surely one of a kind.
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