James B. Robinson was born in Sampson County, North Carolina, in February 1867. Robinson enlisted in the all-Black 9th U.S. Cavalry on May 21, 1895 at Fort Reno, Oklahoma Territory. At the time of his enlistment, he was twenty-eight years old and by occupation was a butcher. He was discharged from the regiment by reason of expiration of his term of service at Fort Duchesne, Utah, on May 20, 1898.

In 1900, Robinson was a resident of New Bern (Craven County) where he worked as a merchant. The following year, on April 24, 1901, he married Melvina Culley. He later worked as a mail carrier. Around 1913, he was in Morehead City (Carteret County). Robinson's date of death is currently unknown.