Age 85, passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2019. Jim was born in Three Rivers, Michigan on February 10, 1934, the son of Amos and Edna Zimmerman. Jim honorably served our country in the United States Navy from 1953 until 1957. Upon being honorably discharged from the military, Jim embarked on his life-long career in Social Services, spending the majority of his career providing his expertise in Foster Care. He worked many years in both Kalamazoo and Calhoun County, retiring as Assistant Director for Calhoun County DHHS. In 1954, Jim married the love of his life, Sandra Lou Gearhart and together, enjoyed 60 years of marriage prior to her death in 2013. Jim was an avid golfer and took every opportunity he could to golf and spend time on the course. He was also a huge U of M Football fan and rooted for the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers and was a little league coach. Jim was a very hard-working man who dedicated his life to others. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Lou, his parents and his sister, Doris Watson. He leaves to cherish his memory his children: James L. Zimmerman, Jr. and Edwin “Ed” (Cathy) J. Zimmerman, all of Portage, and a special nephew, Jeff Watson. Jim and Sandra loved their grandchildren and great grandchildren immensely, who will carry on their legacy. Their grandchildren are Scott Zimmerman, Jeffrey (Rebecca) Zimmerman, Nicole (Sean) Devine; and Danielle (Justin) Buck; their great grandchildren are Fiona & Bridgett Devine; Isobelle & Kynlee Zimmerman and Henry Buck, as well as step great grandchildren, Tristan, Lola and Calen Buck.