VIA Times – October 2022 Issue Vital News, Vibrant VIews for Asian Americans in Chicago & Midwest
James Zimmerman, loving husband, father, grandfather, and uncle passed away on September 29, 2022 at the age of 92.
Jim was born on January 27, 1930 in Calumet City, Illinois to Richard and Marie Zimmerman. Jim served our country, overseas, in the United States Army.
On February 4, 1961 he married Irene Tybik. They lovingly raised two sons, Thomas and John and a daughter, Jane. He made a career in the fi eld of aviation and retired early at the age of 55. After 42 years of marriage, Irene passed at the age of 78. Jim later married Leticia Obaob on August 5, 2006 and became father to Marissa, Jennifer, Gail, Jason, and Gary.
Jim loved to play sports and games with his children. As a child, Jim’s family went on fishing trips every summer. As a father, he carried on that tradition with his own family. Jim was the consummate do-it-yourselfer. Nothing went undone around the house for more than a day or two. It seemed he could fi x anything. In retirement, Jim had enjoyed more time for travel. He and Leticia traveled together internationally.
Jim was a man of faith. He had a generous spirit, he was content, good-natured, kind, patient, and fun-loving all of his life. His sense of humor, his wit, and his radiant smile will be remembered and missed. Jim was preceded in death by his father, Richard, his mother Marie, his fi rst wife Irene, and his brother, Thomas.
He is survived by his wife Leticia, three children: Thomas Zimmerman (wife Jane), John Zimmerman (wife Felicia, grandson Calvin), daughter Jane M. Paha (husband Michael), fi ve step-children: Marissa Fermin (grandchildren, Jordan, Sierra, Joshua and Sophia), Jennifer Maher (husband Matthew), Gail Luna (husband John, grandchildren Alexis and Nathan), Jason Obaob, Gary Obaob (husband Michael).
