James Brooke Robinson

James Key West - Robinson Brooke Robinson

James 'Jimmy' Brooks Robinson of Key West, Florida passed away February 24, 2025. He was 40. His wife, Emma Harlow, was by his side. He had mounted an unflinching battle against an unrelenting glioblastoma brain tumor for over three and a half years.

James was born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, November 27,1984, to William and Linda (Villeneuve) Robinson.

After Graduation from Lyndon Institute in 2003, James received his Associate Degree in Computer Engineering from Vermont Technical College. Then, on a Wednesday in 2006, he decided that he would head south to Key West on the following Sunday, alone. After settling in by working odd jobs, he was hired by Four Star Rentals and characteristically worked hard and responsibly, remaining close with the owners even after moving on to Keys Energy. At Keys, he began his career in engineering and was recognized for his work ethic with promotions, and took pride and enjoyment in working there. Keys Energy was immensely supportive throughout his illness and treatments.

Jimmy built an incredible 'family' in Key West over the years and in 2019, September 19, he married fellow Vermonter, Emma Edgar Harlow and they welcomed Elenie Rae Robinson shortly thereafter. Their pride and joy.

James was sports-oriented from an early age and played Youth Basketball, Tee-ball and Pop Warner. In high school, he continued to play football, basketball and baseball. There were many All-star teams and state championships in his high school career- he was most proud of winning the 2003 Division ll High School Championship in 2003. While James could play any position asked of him, he was foremost a catcher; he said it gave him 'a view of the game'. Umpires, if asked, would say they felt protected whenever he was catching. He pitched a no-hitter in college which should come with bragging rights, but James would always, true to his personal creed, credit the entire team.

In Key West, Jimmy enjoyed any organized team sport he could find, from softball to bocce, relishing the competition and camaraderie. His love of sports carried on to watching college and professional games on television, uncannily able to recite stats from almost any contest he ever watched.

Proving to be a committed and loving husband and dad, Jimmy was inordinately proud of his family. His time spent with Emma and Elenie meant the world to him. His Key West friends through the years were a second family to him and Jimmy was important to them. That became evident by their love and support when his health issues began.

James is survived by his wife, Emma Edgar Harlow, and daughter, Elenie Rae; parents William and Cynthia Robinson; two brothers Benjamin (Karen York) Robinson and Garret (Crystal Bunnell) Henderson; two sisters Valerie (Josh Griffith) Henderson and Vanessa (Atti) Sequin. James shared a special bond with his dear aunt, Aunt Brenda, who was always a source of love and support.

Preceding James in death was his mother Linda (Villaneuve) Robinson, grandparents Donald and Beverly Robinson and William and Beverly (Girouard) Villaneuve.

James also leaves behind his family of in-laws who loved, adopted and celebrated Jimmy, cherishing their too short time with him.

A Celebration of Life for his Key West friends and family will be held March 16, 2025. Please join us at 1 Shoreline Road in Key West from 1 - 5 PM, and please note parking is limited. There will be a Celebration of Life for Vermont family and friends this Spring in the Lyndonville area. Location and date to be determined.