Jim Robinson was an offensive lineman on the Willamette football team. He was a member of the 1960 Bearcats' undefeated football team (8-0) and was an honorary captain. Robinson received First Team All-Northwest Conference honors in 1960 and was Honorable Mention All-NWC in 1959. A four-year letterman in football, Robinson also competed in track and field. He received the J.H. Booth Award from Willamette in 1960-61. Robinson was inducted into the NAIA District 2 Hall of Fame in 1986.