Jim Zimmerman

James John Zimmerman, better known as Jim, was born on December 29, 1936 on the family farm in Buck Grove, Iowa, the son of Edward and Elvira (Wilwerding) Zimmerman. Jim was the oldest of eight children with four brothers and three sisters. He was baptized and confirmed St. Joseph Catholic Church in Buck Grove. Jim attended Washington Township Country School then Dow City Community School where he graduated with the class of 1955.

On November 2, 1955, he enlisted in the United States Army. He started at Camp Chappy, Arkansas for eight weeks of basic training, eventually being moved to Fort Rucker, Alabama for training in helicopter maintenance. In 1956, he was transferred to Fort Riley, Kansas where he was with the United States Army in helicopter aviation.

On June 14, 1956, Jim married Ferdonna Hast at St. Mary Catholic Church in Dow City and the couple was blessed with one daughter, Vickie Sue. The couple lived in Fort Riley, Kansas for three years. Following Jim’s service in the Army, the family moved back to Iowa and spent time living on her family farm near Buck Grove where Jim farmed. In 1968, the family moved to a farm near Irwin until the year 2000, when the couple moved to an acreage between Manilla and Irwin where they made their home for the remainder of their lives.

In 1981, Jim served as chairman of the Irwin Centennial Committee. In addition, Jim earned a spot in the Shelby County record books when he was chosen as the “Shelby County Cattlemen of the Year” in 1988. He also served on the Irwin Community Club, Cattlemen’s Association, and was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Manilla. Ultimately, Jim served the Manilla Community in numerous ways and enjoyed living in the Manilla area.

In addition to spending time with their daughter and granddaughters, Jim and Ferdonna loved to garden and travel. They were able to travel in their older years, including 49 states, Canada, many European countries, and China. 

Jim was known for his love of collecting old tractors, a hobby that brought him immense happiness throughout his years. His enthusiasm for antique tractors extended to participating in various tractor rides, including a memorable journey through the scenic Black Hills of South Dakota.

Jim's dedication to his hobbies was a testament to his meticulous nature and unwavering commitment. Be it tending to his lawn with care, unraveling intricate puzzles, or working the land as a farmer, he found solace and fulfillment in these activities. His passion for these pursuits shone through in every detail, reflecting his patient and thoughtful demeanor. 

Jim passed away peacefully at his home in Manilla surrounded by his family on Friday, June 28, 2024 attaining the age of 87 years, 5 months, and 30 days. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ferdonna Zimmerman; brother, Larry Zimmerman; parents-in-law, Herman and Irene Hast; and sisters-in-law, Detta Zimmerman and Annie Lou Zimmerman.

He is survived by his daughter, Vickie Hanson of Spencer; two granddaughters: Cassandra (Jon) Nelson and Christina Hanson (Bradley Lackey) all of Bondurant; three great-grandchildren: Charlotte, Rylee and Remington; siblings: Dewey (Sharon) Zimmerman of Chesterfield, New Jersey, JoAnn (James) Martens of Manning, Jerry (Sue) Zimmerman of Dixon, Tennessee, Delbert Zimmerman of Summerville, South Carolina, Thelma (Vern) Kenkel of Denison, Anita (Leonard) Hansen of Exira; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

A Rosary will begin at 8:30 a.m. with visitation to follow until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at Sacred Heart Church in Manilla. Jim's Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. also on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at the church with interment to follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Irwin. Memorials may be directed to the family for a later designation in Jim's name.