Timothy James Robinson

Timothy James Robinson of Ahoskie NC, an architecture graduate, poet, artist, writer of prose and a 2nd Lieutenant (retired) in the US Marine Corps ended his long and brave battle with ALS. He passed on from this world as we know it on Monday, September 8th, 2025. He adopted Ahoskie, North Carolina as his home in his mid to later years. He always referred to Ahoskie and Eastern Carolina as "a largely unexplored region of the U.S." He loved the area and the people that lived here and those who loved Ahoskie.

He is survived by his long time companion and love, Meryl Brown of Ahoskie, his daughter Shannon Sims of Corbett, Oregon, his brother Stephen Robinson and his wife Sharon of Palm City, FL and Lewes, DE, and Meryl's children Meredith Brown and her husband Cameron Dube of Somerville, MA and Tyler Brown and his wife Elizabeth Garrett of Richmond, VA and their four adorable boys who called him Grandpa Tim. He is predeceased in death by his brother, Scott Robinson and his sister, Dianne Robinson Doan, his parents Jack and Jeanne Robinson of Seneca, SC and Shannon's mother, Theresa Sims of Fredericksburg, VA.

Timothy was a renaissance man and was cherished for his special gifts and his love of life. He attended elementary, middle and high school in Weston Connecticut. As the "new kid" from out of town and on the first day of 3rd grade in his new school, he decided to challenge Mary Jennings (the fastest runner on the playground) to a footrace. He won the race and became the most popular kid in school. That was Timothy. He was an excellent athlete and played football in high school and college. He graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in architecture. Timothy could draw and sketch at a moments notice and was always ready to a sketch any element of a construction project. He worked under an excellent mentor, Charles Nieuwenhaus of Weston CT. Timothy built beautiful homes and did lovely renovations in Connecticut. He once built a very expensive house on spec and was so overjoyed that a buyer came along, that he celebrated by having a big party in the house 2 weeks BEFORE closing. Much to his dismay, he had to have the floors refinished from all the partygoer's foot traffic.

Timothy wasn't perfect and his own recognition of this resulted in his enlistment in the Marines at age 26. They called him "the old man" in boot camp. He was shipped out of Camp Pendleton in CA to Parris Island SC. The rumor spread at Parris Island that a USMC recruit was a graduate architect, which caught the attention of the Base Commandant. Timothy and the Commandant designed and built and renovated many of the Buildings at Parris Island. The Commandant nominated him for Officers Candidate School at Quantico, VA and he completed his training and received his Commission as a 2nd Lieutenant USMC. Later, he decided the military would not be his career.

Timothy loved boats and was always drawn to derelict sailboats that had been neglected. He would spend hours looking for parts and working on restoring the boats the tip top condition. He was a natural poet and had a gift for writing such beautiful prose. He loved to paint, creating unique and colorful works of art.

Timothy fought ALS with bravery and determination with the steadfast support of Meryl Brown. She was his "rock" and devoted many days and hours of travel to Duke for consultations. He became a big fan of the Duke Blue Devils and loved to go Duke basketball games with Meryl.

Timothy was a complex man, who with all his talents found our 21st century world sometimes difficult to navigate. He loved life and upon reflecting on his life during his battle with ALS, he said he lived a "full and wonderful life, with no regrets". His parting words to his brother, Stephen (and for all of us who loved him) were: "Live fully, love always and feel free to write a colorful obituary." That was Timothy. He will be missed by Meryl, Shannon, Stephen and Sharon and all who loved him. He taught us so much and he will be forever cherished.

Timothy loved the Catfish Hunter ALS Support Group. Its members gave him the courage to continue his fight with the challenges that ALS brought. In lieu of flowers, donations in Timothy's honor can be made to the Jim "Catfish" Hunter ALS Foundation, PO Box 47, Hertford, NC 27944.