The Life of Jackie Robinson Growing up for Jackie Robinson was not easy. He was born Jack Roosevelt Robinson on January 31,1919 to Mallie and Jerry Robinson. He was the youngest in a family with five children. His grandparents had been former slaves. When his father deserted Jackie's family, Jackie was only six months old. In order to give her children a chance at a better life, Jackie's mother packed up all five children and moved to Pasadena, California to work as a maid.(Grate time Coming ,the life of Jackie Robinson) As Jackie got older, he went to John Muir Technical High School. He not only participated in sports, but went as far as earning letter awards in four. Football,