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.

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