Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
James F. Zimmerman (Jim) was born on April 10, 1943 at the White Salmon Hospital.
He died on August 2, 2015 in Portland, Ore., at Providence St. Vincent’s Hospital.
As the youngest child of Arthur C. Zimmerman and Bessie Mary Dilley Zimmerman, he grew up on Snowden Road, helping his family managing the farm. He went to Columbia High School in White Salmon for his formal education. Jim was in FFA for 4 years, becoming Vice President of FFA in his Senior Year. He graduated High School on May 23, 1961.
Jim married Macseen M. Adamson on August 17, 1968. Together they lived near The Dalles, operating a cherry orchard and later planting apricots. They also joined Civil Air Patrol and bought a Cessna 150 Airplane to fly on search missions. He gained his private pilot’s license the week before Mt. St. Helens erupted. Advancing to the level of Captain in The Dalles Composite Squadron, he became proficient as a radio operator and certified in aerial radiological defense monitoring.
Jim lived as a logger, operating various machines such as large cats and log loaders. He also created roads for private companies and the Forest Service. Jim worked in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and surrounding areas. He operated heavy logging equipment over 20 years for Tom Arnold Logging.
Jim also enjoyed hunting deer, elk, moose and caribou. He found semi-precious stones, mushroom hunting, picking huckleberries and visiting the Oregon Coast as fun projects.
Jim is survived by his sister Sally Smith, his sister Margret Gump, brother-in-law Calvin Gump, niece Rebecca Gayken, niece Leslie Kay Smith, niece Eddie Pfaff, niece Helen Watts, nephew Mike Smith, nephew Andy Gump, step-daughter Judith Pointer, son-in-law Ned Pointer, granddaughter Caroline Snider, and her husband Stephen Snider along with great-granddaughter Evelyn Snider.
There will be a graveside service at 2 p.m. on September 4th, 2015 at the Lyle-Balch Cemetery. Look for the yellow wooden Cemetery sign entering Balch Rd., just off Old Highway 8.
Father Maag from St. Mary's Catholic Church, Hood River, will conduct the Service.
Father Maag was a Chaplain for The Dalles Civil Air Patrol and flew with Jim on search missions.
A potluck gathering of family and friends will be at the Lion's Community Center in Lyle following the Service. Lion's is located on, 5th and State Highway 14.
The Lion's Community Center will be open before 2 p.m. for those individuals who wish to contribute their potluck dishes earlier before the service.
Jim loved potlucks.
To plant a tree in memory of James Zimmerman as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
