James Zimmerman Obituary

James "Jim" Zimmerman

James "Jim" Zimmerman, 84, of Topeka, passed away Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, at Topeka, KS. He was born at Jarbalo, KS, Oct. 12, 1928, to Clarence and Mary (Johnstone) Zimmerman. The family moved to Easton, KS, where Jim attended school through the 9th grade. The family then moved to Lawrence, KS, where he graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1946 and then obtained a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Kansas in 1951. He later obtained a degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Wichita in 1972. James married Martha Boles Oct. 12, 1950. She continued living and working in Lawrence while he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After discharge from the Army, he returned to Lawrence and worked one year in the design department of Tanner-Mitchell, Inc., an architect-engineering firm in charge of design for renovation of structures at The Sunflower Ordinance Works east of Lawrence. The couple then moved to Wichita, KS, where he was employed first by the Wichita Public Works Dept. and then by The Boeing Airplane Co. He became active in Little League baseball and the Boy Scout Troop with his son. Also during this period, the couple had a cabin constructed on Grand Lake in Oklahoma and enjoyed many years of boating activities. In 1976 they moved to Topeka, where he was employed as a project manager for the City of Topeka Engineering Dept. until 1994. Some of his favorite projects included Felker Park, Shunga Trail, and Gage Park, where he was instrumental in the renovation of Helen Hocker Theater. James was also a member of Albert Pike Lodge #303 A.F. & A.M. in Wichita and American Legion Post #0058 in Topeka.James' wife Martha passed away Aug. 23, 2008. He is survived by his son, James F. Zimmerman and wife, Diana, and their son, Taylor, and daughter, Abigail; his daughter Janis Escandon and husband, Alex, and their son Andrew, and daughter, Sara; his sister, Dolores and her husband, Wayne Deay, and their son, Michael and wife, Anissa, and their daughter. James will lie in state after 3:00 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19, 2012, at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, Topeka, where the family will greet friends from 5:00-6:30 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Lawrence. Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care Hospice, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606, or Doorstep, Inc. 119 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604. To leave a message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.

Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Nov. 18, 2012.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for James Zimmerman

Not sure what to say?





6 Entries

Hello Jimmy and Janis. So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Thanks, Janis, for calling me. Jim and Martha were very good friends. We spent time at the lake with them and always had a great time! Jim and I worked at Boeing together, often on the same project. Jim and I have kept in touch through the years and will miss the occasional phone calls.

Andy Anderson

November 20, 2012

I was so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was very liked by us girls at Atria West. He will be sadly missed. God Bless your family in your time of grief.

Stephanie Sell

November 19, 2012

Jim and Martha were better friends than relatives, although we shared stories of relatives. I will miss him and his phone calls to check on me.

Theda Davis

November 18, 2012

Our thoughts are with his family. Jim was a very intelligent man, caring and a good father.

Debra Trautman

November 18, 2012

I was so sorry to hear of t he passing of Jim. We were close friends through out most of my life. My prayers are with your family.

Bob Beguelin

November 17, 2012

Sorry to hear about Jim.
Enjoyed knowing and working with him for many years.

Steve Hitchens

November 17, 2012

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in James Zimmerman's name

Memorial Events
for James Zimmerman

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support James's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Zimmerman's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more