Donald James Robinson was born in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi on September 17, 1947. He was the son of the late Bernice and Reginald A. Robinson Sr., husband of the late Patra Redmond Robinson and father of three daughters, LaShundra Robinson Manley, Yolinda Robinson Williams and Alysha Robinson Simunye.

He graduated from Valena C. Jones High School, in Bay St. Louis Mississippi. He continued his studies at Jackson State College (Jackson State University, Jackson Mississippi) where he completed an Undergraduate and Master Degree. He attended the University of Southern Mississippi to pursue Post Graduate studies, then he completed the Doctor of Education Degree from Wayne State University, Detroit Michigan.

His teaching career began in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, where he taught for two years. Upon moving to Michigan, he taught Special Education from October 1973 to June 1991 at Pontiac Central High School, in the Pontiac Public Schools. He served as Assistant Principal from June 1991 to June 1992 at the Whitmer Human Resource Center. Principal 1992 to1997 at Crofoot Elementary School. Principal 1997 to 1998, Wisner School, Whitmer Human Resource Center, Principal July1998 to September 2001. From September 2001 to June 2005 he served as Assistant Administrator at James Madison Middle School. Upon retirement, he continued to serve the district as a substitute principal for a number of years. Post retirement opportunity at Eagle Heights Academy as Principal, June 2005 to June 2006, Youngstown, Ohio.

Dr. Robinson was a member of Christian Tabernacle Church where he served in the choir and was a faithful Member. He was a member of Phi Bata Sigma Fraternity,Inc. He served as President, Welcome Missionary Baptist Church Scholarship Commission and an active member of Optimist International.
Donald is survived by his siblings: Rosena Boarden (Charles), Reginald Robinson, Jr. (Yvonne), Andrew Robinson, Thomas Robinson (Betty)and Doris Robinson. He is also survived by in-laws, Mona Smith, (Togo) deceased, Hattie Goosebury, Etta Houston, Lamar Redmond, (Rhonda), and eleven grandchildren. Allyse, Bryan, Reese, Troy, William, Ira, Eve, Enoch, Hendrix, Kael and a host of other relatives and friends. He made his transition on April 12, 2018, at the age of 70.