Longtime area coach dies at 87

Longtime area basketball coach Jimmy Joe Robinson passed away at the age of 87 last weekend, and the news has affected many locals that knew and loved him.

According to his obituary, Robinson began his career as a coach and teacher at La Casita Elementary in Clovis where he taught 6th grade and coached football, basketball, gymnastics, and track. He then went on to teach other grades and coach other sports at various schools, but it was his coaching career at Clovis High School that some might say stuck out the most.

In 1967 he became the assistant basketball coach for CHS and in 1971, he became the head basketball coach. Under his leadership, Clovis' boys' basketball program became well known, making it to the State Tournament 8 times, winning the state championship in 1979 and state runner up in 1980.

"It was just great to play for him and to have a person that cared about you as much as he did," said Bubba Jennings, who played under Robinson from 1978-1980.

Jennings went on to have quite the career after his time at CHS, making it to the collegiate level playing ball for Texas Tech, and winning the Naismith Award given to the best college men's basketball player who was 6'0" or shorter. Even after all of his success, Jennings said some of his favorite times of his life were the times he spent playing under the leadership of Robinson.

"He was a very special coach," Jennings said. "He always did everything he could to give us a chance to have success."

One memory that Jennings remembers is when number one ranked CHS played number two ranked Hobbs in 1979. Three of CHS' starters were suspended, but not Jennings. In the fourth quarter, Jennings said he got knocked down and ended up having to get stitches in his head.

"The doctor from Hobbs said that I was not allowed to play anymore," Jennings said. It was Jennings' dad who said to Robinson that he could play if he wanted to. Of course, Jennings couldn't sit this one out.

"Coach put me back in with about 15 seconds left, and I ended up making the final two free throws where we ended up winning the game," Jennings said.

While that was one of the most rewarding moments in his career, Jennings said he also remembers a time when Robinson allowed him to break the record for most points scored in a game.

In 1980, CHS went out to Roswell to play Goddard, and Jennings was having one of his best games ever with 50 points down on the stat sheet. Robinson asked the rest of the players if they wanted Jennings to break the record, which they did. "He left me in, and I ended up scoring 75 points in that game," Jennings said. "He gave me that opportunity."

Another former player of Robinson's is Clovis' longtime former mayor, David Lansford. Lansford played for Robinson from 1974-1977.

"He was very sincere in everything he did. He matched his actions with his words, remarkably well," Lansford said.

On the sideline, Lansford said Robinson used a lot of body language and facial expressions rather than harsh words. "I remember one time I made a stupid pass, and he pulled me out of the game immediately," Lansford said. It didn't take any words for Lansford to understand that he had messed up. "His (Robinson's) body language said it all."

Robinson fought hard for what he believed in, according to Jennings and Lansford. Sometimes, it even got him in trouble, but that never stopped him.

"He did actually have to go to jail one time because he was standing up for what was right," Jennings said.

While Robinson is remembered for his extremely successful career and positive coaching style, both Jennings and Lansford agree that he will be remembered most for his primary drive in life which was to reflect Christ.

"It didn't really seem to matter if the need was to love them or to discipline. He had no problem either way," Lansford said. "He wanted to reflect the kind of character that he felt like Jesus wanted in a coach."

"Along with all that toughness, he was a great Christian, as well. He's one of the top Christian people that I know," Jennings added.

Robinson's obituary states that he was active in the church by serving as a Sunday school teacher, elder, deacon and small group leader throughout his life.

He received many noteworthy honors and awards for his coaching career and will be remembered by many.

"His influence has not ended in his death. His influence is living on because it was so impactful, the way he lived his life," Lansford said.