Jerome Anthony Robinson

Of all the noteworthy things in life, the most desirable is character. And he who possesses a beautiful character is worthy of notice. A beautiful life is the fruit of a beautiful character. Jerome Anthony Robinson possessed a beautiful character.

Jerome was born July 6, 1963 in Los Angeles, California to the late Calvin Robinson and Sallie (Haley) Robinson Pratt. Jerome, lovingly known as “Jrony,” touched many lives with his love and giving. He became a Christian very early in life. He was a devoted follower of Christ and wanted everyone to know it. He joined the church, paid his tithes faithfully, and was a member of West Angeles Church of God and Christ, Pastor, Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr.

Jerome also learned very early on that he was a writer and producer. As a student at La Salle Avenue Elementary School, he lived nearby at West 89th  Street and Dalton Avenue, where he recruited the neighborhood kids in creating his fabulous productions! To this day, those kids have a tale to tell their grandkids.

He later attended Northridge Junior High School and graduated from Cleveland High School in Reseda, CA.  Jerome attended the University of Southern California and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences and Communications. During his time at USC, Jerome also produced, wrote, and cast several plays, including Divine Healing, Ain’t Misbehavin,’ and the life story of Marvin Gaye.

In 1993, Jerome was selected for a highly competitive writing fellowship at Walt Disney Studios. He wrote screenplays including Surrender Dorothy, Cover before Striking, and I Have A Dream, to name just a few. After working in production for Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment, Jim Henson Productions, and Mason Productions, he joined The Walt Disney Company in 2003, where he served nearly two decades as a contract rights analyst. He was highly active in the Disney VoluntEARS program, including serving meals every Christmas.

Following his passion for Los Angeles history and architecture, Jerome earned a Master of Heritage Conservation degree from the USC School of Architecture in 2018. Jerome received numerous awards, certificates, and honors for his accomplishments, including the Jaime and Susan Gesundheit Graduate Travel Fellowship, which funded his travel to Europe to study the roots of Romanesque architecture.

Jerome broke new ground with his scholarship on the life and work of Robert Kennard, FAIA. He raised awareness of Kennard’s importance and influence as a Los Angeles architect, mentor, and civil rights advocate, laying the groundwork for continued research. He was working on a book on Kennard at the time of his death.

Jerome also shared his love of historic places as a volunteer tour docent for both the Los Angeles Conservancy (for nearly thirty years) and the Santa Monica Conservancy. He relished research brought the stories of historic L.A. to life with boundless energy and enthusiasm.

A hard worker, Jerome was forever busy, and ever alert to find something to do, that next production or a word to encourage. He sought to help and encourage all who needed such.

After a long and courageous battle with lymphoma, Jerome passed away on March 27. He is survived by his mother Sallie Pratt, brother Alvin Robinson, and sister-in-law Valerie Robinson. Family members, friends, and colleagues will forever cherish his memory.

The family suggests donations in Jerome’s memory to the Los Angeles Conservancy (laconservancy.org), the USC Architecture Scholarship Fund (arch.usc.edu/give), or Tuskegee Airmen Inc. (tuskegeeairmen.org).

Jerome Anthony Robinson Zoom Recording