Longtime officials administrator Jim Robinson passes away

The Minnesota State High School League is saddened to announce the passing of James “Jimmy” Robinson, the League’s State Coordinator of Basketball Officials since 1991, on Monday, Nov. 30. He was 88.

Robinson, a 1951 graduate of St. Paul Mechanic Arts High School, began his League service as a high school football and basketball official in 1956. In 1971, he became the first African-American official to work the boys basketball state tournament. Also in 1971, he was one of the first African-American officials to work in the Big Ten Conference where he worked for 16 years until a knee injury forced his retirement. He also served as the Sections 4 and 5 representative on the National Federation of State High School Associations basketball rules committee. He served on the Minnesota State High School League’s Board of Directors from 1988-92.

Robinson was inducted into the League’s Hall of Fame in 1993 and has also been enshrined by the Minnesota High School Basketball Coaches Association. He was recently honored by the NCAA with the Living Legacy Award. He has served as the executive director of the Loft Teen Center in St. Paul since its opening in 1967.

“Jim’s legacy of service and leadership will be greatly missed by the Minnesota State High School League and the basketball officiating community,” said League Associate Director Lisa Lissimore. “Jim has mentored, trained, and evaluated officials from every corner of the state. He leaves behind a trail of excellence that invites us all to follow.”