Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

August 4, 2026

Amazingly creative, usually hilarious, decidedly unmaterialistic, and profoundly magnanimous, Robert E. Zimmerman Jr. left this world as a better place on August 4, 2026.  Born in Greensboro NC to Robert and Joan Zimmerman on March 7, 1958, he gained an early reputation for not drawing inside the lines.

Growing up in Charlotte, with many unwasted hours reading Mad Magazine led him on an early path to becoming an illustrator and artist.  Myers Park High School art teacher Dean Barber recognized and encouraged his talent, leading Robert to study at both the Atlanta College of Art and the California College of Art. 

Soon after graduation Robert was an illustrator for Mercer Mayer. He then achieved his dream job as part of the renowned illustrator bullpen at the New York Times.  Robert and family moved to Asheville NC in 1994. He continued his freelance illustration work for dozens of publications including Newsweek and Time, plus corporate clients that included New York City transport, Penske, Delta.  He also created illustrated many children's books and games, including bestseller BaBaHaHa.

In 1998 the emerging internet prompted Robert to launch his company Buglogic.  Among the many gratis websites he created were Drawger and Illoz, designed to help successful and emerging illustrators market their talents. This, and his personal talent, led to his induction into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame in 2010. 

Robert was a good listener. His understanding of art grew by listening, observing, asking questions, and never being afraid to try something new. What he learned from fellow artists kept him involved in the Asheville arts community, including helping found the Media Arts Project.  Robert continued to create his own art, but would never sell it, preferring to give it to friends and family.

A diehard Yankees fan, Robert channeled his love for the sport into coaching and sponsoring youth baseball. He served as commissioner for Fall Youth Baseball in Western North Carolina.  Creating, writing music for, and playing in intentionally second-rate bands with names including Choking Victim and The Grateful Dads was another passion. His standing poker game with friends was legendary.  Robert’s many gifts included cooking, writing and teaching. He hosted frequent friendsgiving meals, composed humorous writings, wrote novels. His teaching was primarily 'you'll figure it out.'

Robert is preceded in death by his father and mentor Robert Zimmerman, Sr. grandparents Reuben and Margaret Zimmerman, John and Anne Hunt.  Surviving to celebrate his amazing life are his equally amazing children Lila and John Zimmerman, mother and number one fan Joan Zimmerman, brother David Zimmerman (Anja) nephews Carl Zimmerman (Catherine) and Alex Zimmerman (Meredith)  along with many cousins, nieces, aunts, uncles, and lifetime friends, among them Paul and Joy Rousso who were his second family.

Instead of donations, Robert requested that you purchase art from a local artist. A gathering of friends and family to celebrate Robert and his gifts to life will be held in Asheville in the Fall.