Carman Ainsworth Athletic Hall of Fame
Football Coach Committee
1994 BCAM Hall of Honor
The BCAM Hall of Honor was established in 1994 to honor those persons who have helped to improve basketball in Michigan. These honorees have been longtime supporters of their local teams or have given outstanding service to the game of basketball. Awards are given in four categories: Officials, Media, Assistant Coach and Friend of Basketball.
Jim Robinson
In 1994, Jim Robinson was inducted into the BCAM Hall of Honor.
Jim Robinson has officiated for over 33 years in the State of Michigan. He has worked all levels of basketball, including Junior College, M.I.A.A., and the Mid American Conference Women.
Jim high school highlights include numerous quarter-finals and semi-finals. The most outstanding achievement, according to Jim, were the State Finals in 1981 and 1982.
Jim and his wife of 31 years, Sherry, have four children: Mike, Steve, Shelley, and Julie. "I feel very honored to honored by the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan."
GCCOA Jim Massar Award
Jim was awarded the GCCOA Jim Massar Award in 1991.
MHSAA State Finals
Meet Jim Robinson
Meet your neighbor: Jim Robinson, Swartz Creek, driver for Woodhaven Senior Community
Jim Robinson, a retired Swartz Creek schoolteacher and athletic director, now works as a driver for Woodhaven Senior Community.
What do you do?
I am the driver of the bus or van, whichever the need is, for Woodhaven Senior Community. On my next birthday I will be 70, but most of the people here have me by 10-20 years. I have found it is a real challenge for them, a lot of changes. One big one is most people here do not drive themselves anymore. They are dependent upon you. They are very restricted in a sense, compared to when they used to be able to drive themselves places. It is a blessing to me to be able to serve them.
How did you get here?
I was in the school business from the fall of 1966 to when I retired in 1991. I was in Swartz Creek, involved in athletics. I was the athletic director from 1979-1989. I was a social studies and drivers education teacher. Never in my life did I think I would have this opportunity. It is a fantastic job. About four years ago, my niece Jessica Teachworth was the receptionist here. I visited her and saw a guy transporting people. I was looking for something different to do with my life. My niece encouraged me to fill out an application. I did not hear anything for nearly a year.
What is a typical day like for you?
I work three days a week. Generally, I will start between 8:15 and 8:30 in the morning and finish about 3 or 4. I make it a point to come in early just to mingle with those who are eating breakfast in the dining room. The important part of my job is to get to know them, the greatest part of my job is to associate with them. They have a lot of stories. We went on a color tour, to Mt. Pleasant. Once a month I take the bus to a restaurant like Hollywood Diner or Red Lobster. I drive the ROMEO (Really Outrageously Handsome Men Eat Out) Club when they go out to eat. Roxy is the new activities director. She is doing a great job. I take people to their appointments, out shopping.
What do you do in your spare time?
When I had been here about a year and a half, I approached Dave Dixner to see if there were any prospects for me to conduct a Bible study. We have one class in the main building, then we added one in the other building for the residents who are more medically challenged. We have it on Tuesday mornings. Dave offered to pay me but I do it as a charitable thing.
What is one thing you could not live without?
My Bible. There is one four letter word that has become my favorite: hope. The hope that is solid is that which comes from the Bible. One thing I have learned is that God is good all the time. Life is peaks and valleys. We need to be thankful. It is not about me. The Lord is working through me. When you get right down to it, that is the biggest reason I am here, to be a witness. It is an opportunity God has given me. It is all about what you do between here and the potato salad (at the funeral dinner).
What would be a dream vacation?
My wife and I and our handicapped daughter went to East Tawas for a couple days of rest and relaxation. They did not have any traffic in the fast lane. Once you get north of Midland, there is a definite psychological change. It's nice and quiet.
Jim Robinson Photos
