Jim Robinson, an accomplished musician and friend to many, passed away Friday, April 21, 2017 at Shady Lawn Nursing Home. He was born on March 5, 1943 in Almyra, Ark.

Jim was a child music prodigy. He attended the University of Louisiana at Monroe and received a degree in music theory and composition.

He joined the Navy band and then followed that by playing with some of the greats, including Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Tom Jones and even Elvis Presley.

Many knew dear Jim and his tremendous God-given talent. Whether he was playing golf, hanging with friends, being with his church family, watching movies or playing his music, he was a gentleman who tried to live his life like his music — in perfect harmony.

He wowed the young to old with either playing a familiar tune, a song that was close to someone’s heart or music that was the “Jim Way” that made him so happy as well as those he played for. He always said the most important thing on earth is timing, whether it had to do with music or life.

You can close your eyes now and either hear Jim playing that special song in church that touched your soul, the romantic music at a wedding that made you hold that special person’s hand just a little tighter, performing at an outside concert that made the birds sing along with the music, or even hearing the smooth jazz sounds in the days of Delta Point while watching the sunset.

He had a unique sense of humor, loved his church and had so much knowledge about many things (movies, music and his LSU Tigers).  He will be so missed.

Jim is survived by cousins, Beverly Scafidel, Jo Robinson and Glenn Robinson.

He is also survived by two nieces, Brenda Poole and Susan Ford; eight great-nieces and nephews; and 12 great-great-nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Hubbard Robinson and Billie Jo Robinson; and his sister Billie Jo Johnson her husband Charles H. Johnson.

He also leaves dear friends, JC Casey (Oklahoma), Kay LaFrance-Knight (Gilbert, La.), Ellen Davis (New York), Vernon and the Rev. Chan Anaya (New Mexico).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Christ Episcopal Church.

A memorial service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church at 2 p.m. Tuesday with a reception to follow in the parish hall. Interment will be at the Christ Church columbarium.