James Zimmermann,

James Redmond Zimmermann, 92, Hot Springs Village died on February 19, 2010, of complications following surgery. Born in New Orleans, La. to Ruth Murphy Zimmermann and Edward Zimmermann, brother to Edward, Ruth Cortes, and Sister Rita Zimmermann, all deceased. Jim was, and will always be remembered as a true New Orleanian. He attended Jesuit High School and Loyola University there, met his wife of 43 years, the former Julie Rose Strauss there, and continued to delight in sharing his love of the history and cuisine of New Orleans with those who also called New Orleans home, and others unaware of that great city's charms. Jim enlisted in the Navy before the U.S. entered WWII, and saw action in the Battles of the Coral Sea and Midway on the U.S.S. Yorktown, surviving its sinking, next serving on a minesweeper, the U.S.S. Herald in the Aleutians campaign. He ended the war as a warrant officer aboard the U.S.S. Core, first in the Atlantic to antisubmarine duty, and then back to the Pacific for the war's end. He continued his naval career in the reserves, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander. After a long career, working in the oil and gas industry, he retired as his position as director of the accounting division at Columbia Gas Development, relocating from Houston, TX, Jim and his wife Julie realized their shared dream, making Hot Springs Village their home. Sadly, Julie passed away in 1988, but Jim continued to enjoy his friends, family, and love of the Village, and a good game of bridge. He was an active parishioner at Sacred Heart Catholic Church for almost 30 years, and also served as a former treasurer there. Jim was a valued member of the Village Bridge Players, earning the title "Life Master". At 91 years of age, he was that indeed. He will be dearly missed by his many friends, fellow parishioners, and card players. He remains a strong role model for his sons, daughters, grand and great-grandchildren, who will always hold him close in their hearts with the greatest of affection and love, supported by many cherished memories. James is survived by his four loving children: James R. Zimmermann, Jr. of Flippin, Arkansas, and his wife Philomena; Timothy Kevin Zimmermann, of San Leandro, Ca., and his wife Linda; Julie Alice Zimmermann, of Brooklyn, NY; and Louise Miller of Lake Kiowa, TX, and her husband Harry. "Gramps" also leaves behind 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, and cousins and nephews. "Big Jimmy"as he was lovingly called, also takes leave of his 10 great-grandchildren.. "Daddy" lived a happy and full life, and although we are so blessed to have been gifted his love as a Father, Friend, Uncle, Grand and Great-Grandfather, we feel a mammoth loss at his passing. May God's pure light shine upon him. May he rest in eternal peace! Visitation will be at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church on Monday February 22, 2010 at 4:30 - 5:30 pm, with Rosary starting at 5:30. Rite of Christian Burial will be Tuesday at 2:00 PM, final interment directly following at CedarVale Cemetery

James Zimmermann,

September 9, 1918 - February 19, 2010