James Arthur Zimmerman, known as “Jim Zim,” passed away on Christmas Eve, December 24th, 2022. He loved meeting people and making their lives better and was a positive bright light everywhere he went.
For much of his life, he lived in Oskaloosa, Iowa, where he grew up playing in the marching band, coaching the color guard, and becoming a town leader through his philanthropic and volunteer service. In high school, he started working in the local Brown’s Shoe Fit and loved it so much that he built a life-long career with Brown’s.
Artistic by nature, Jim created many artworks and window displays and received a BFA in Art from Rockford College. Jim marched with Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps and Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps and directed hundreds of winter guard performances, including for the award-winning Malachi Winter Guard.
Jim is survived by his husband, Frankie Ma; his father, Norman Zimmerman; and bonus mom, Elaine Mason; sister and husband, Julie (Rod) Bolin; brother and wife, Jay (Lisa) Zimmerman; sister- and brothers-in-law: Jennifer Cao and Tony Ma; and nephews and nieces: Zachary Zimmerman, Sydney Bolin, Leslie Bolin, Adoree Cao, Eyslee Cao, Isle Cao, and Odin Cao.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Cynthia Ann Zimmerman. A celebration of life will be scheduled in Spring 2023. The family welcomes photos, videos, and remembrances of Jim, which can be sent to Jimzimarchive@gmail.com. Memorials may be given to Malachi Winter Guard.
