Timothy Clark Flynn

Tim Flynn was a gentle, witty and endlessly thoughtful man, who wore life like a loose garment. Easy-going and empathetic, he had the Irishman’s gift for story-telling and a true music-lovers collection of over two thousand vinyl records. Put on a Bob Dylan album and light a cigar and you had a content Tim—add the love of his life, his wife, Jane Robinson Flynn, and a few good friends, and you had a very content Tim.

Tim was born in Columbia, Missouri, to Doral Flynn and Dorothy (Dysart) Flynn, both of whom preceded him in death. He attended Hickman High School and earned a master's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri.

Tim was raised in a family that valued learning, curiosity, and thoughtful inquiry. He was a keen writer and observer – affinities that would serve him well throughout his life. He journaled nearly every day; chronicling his life after college, as he and his friend and business partner, George Liggett, bounced around the country buying and selling antiques and seeing as many concerts as they could. It was just the beginning of Tim’s love for concert-going: Over the decades, he saw legends from The Doors to Bruce Springsteen to Neil Young.

In the early 70s, Tim and George opened Columbia’s celebrated Nostalgia Shop. Over the years, the Nostalgia Shop became a Columbia tradition. The shop evolved from antiques to Halloween costumes to fine tobacco and spirits, but Tim's kind and easygoing nature, along with his wonderful sense of humor, remained constant. He could always be counted on for a good conversation about music, movies, books, current events, antiques, and just about anything else. More importantly, he was a great listener. His quiet wisdom and steady presence made him a touchstone for countless friends, family members, customers, and acquaintances throughout his life.

It was at the Nostalgia Shop that Tim met the love of his life, Jane Robinson. It took a little time for Tim to work up the courage to ask her out…but …well, his idol Bob Dylan put it best in The Wedding Song: “You’re the other half of what I am, you’re the missing piece/ And I love you more than ever with that love that doesn’t cease.”

Tim and Jane married in 2010 and traveled to National Parks and museums and flea markets all over the country. West was his favorite direction any time they traveled. They shared a lifelong love of music, books, movies, and animals.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Leslie Garrett and Michael Elizabeth Basler; his stepmother, Rose Page; his aunt, Billie Flynn of Maple Valley, Washington; and his nephew, Travis Flynn.

He is survived by his wife, Jane, of Columbia; his brother, Matt (Judith) Flynn of Kansas City; his stepsisters, Carolee Ward of Elgin, South Carolina, Leslie Wright of Asheville, North Carolina, and Ginger (Fred) Kelley of Warsaw, Missouri; his nieces, Christy Baioni, Kerrie (Scott) Sinott, Kathy Heverly, and Gillian (Brett) Flynn Nolan; his nephew, Jim Basler; his brother-in-law, Jerry Basler; and a host of cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

In addition to his family, Tim will be remembered by the countless individuals he mentored and sponsored. Tim was a friend of Bill W. for 37 years. While he would never have acknowledged it, he changed lives profoundly and permanently, quietly offering encouragement, guidance, and hope without seeking recognition. His kindness, humility, and presence leave a lasting legacy in the lives of those he touched.

You always came away from a conversation with Tim feeling fortified, or encouraged, or supported or enlightened—or still grinning from a good laugh. You will be missed, Uncle Groovy.

A celebration of Tim’s life will be Wednesday, October 14th from 2-4pm at Memorial Funeral Home 1217 Business Loop 70 West Columbia, MO 65202.

Condolences and fond memories can be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com