Cox Enterprises Board of Directors Member and Former Cox Communications CEO James O. Robbins Passes Away

EDITOR'S NOTE: During Mr. Robbins stewardship of Cox Communications they stole The Auto Channel's business model for the creation of an automotive television network, which they named Speedvision. The obit writer left this "professional legacy" out of the comments below.

ATLANTA, Oct. 11, 2007 -- James O. Robbins, a board member of Atlanta-based Cox Enterprises, Inc. and former president and chief executive officer of Cox Communications, died yesterday following a battle with cancer.

"The passing of our dear friend and valued colleague is a sad event for me, my family and all the employees of Cox," said Jim Kennedy, chairman and chief executive officer of Cox Enterprises. "Jim embodied the spirit of our company -- to do the right thing by the people the company touches -- employees, customers, vendors, partners and the communities Cox serves. We will miss him terribly."

In April 2006, Robbins was elected a member of the Cox Enterprises board of directors following his retirement from Cox Communications, the nation's third largest cable telecommunications company. Robbins joined Cox in 1983 and was named president in 1985. He added CEO to his title when Cox Communications went public in 1995.

His professional legacy remains the re-invention of Cox Communications from a stand-alone cable TV provider into a powerhouse entertainment, broadband and telecommunications company that pioneered the innovative triple- play service bundle. Under his leadership, Cox transformed itself into a corporate role model for fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, delivering a superior customer experience and giving generously to the communities in which it operates.

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of Jim Robbins," said Pat Esser, president of Cox Communications. "He was a friend, leader and mentor to countless people, including me, and is widely regarded as an industry pioneer who led our company with brilliant vision, courage and heart. Jim's influence on Cox and everyone who had the honor of working with him will live on."

"I had the privilege to work with Jim for 16 years during my tenure as CFO for Cox Communications," said Jimmy Hayes, president and chief operating officer of Cox Enterprises. "He was a legendary leader, and his singular dedication to the company and our employees taught us all priceless lessons on creating a culture of superior customer service that lives on at all Cox companies and throughout the communications industry. He will be sorely missed as a friend, confidant and leader."

Robbins is survived by his wife, Debby Robbins; their daughters Jane Brooks Robbins, Payson Robbins Murray, and Hilary Robbins Thomas; his brother, E. Brooks Robbins; and his sister, Barbara R. Anderson.