James John Zimmerman

Born September 29, 1934 in Louisville Kentucky, he was a graduate of Flaget High School and proudly served in the Seventh US Army Ordnance Battalion (APO 28-Ammo Division) post WWII. He worked at Brown & Williamson as a sheet metal worker for over 35 years and engineered several processes that were patented during his time.

Jim is preceded in death by Brigitte Link Zimmerman (wife), James J Zimmerman Jr (son), James Nellis Zimmerman (father), Mary Lyons Zimmerman (mother), Charles Cecil Zimmerman (brother), Mary Delores Wertz (sister), Patricia Ann Murray (sister) and Aline Mae Kaelin (friend). He is survived by daughter Rebecca Sandell (Randy), 3 loving Grandchildren: Katelyn Fortenbery (Zach), Michael Sandell and Matthew Sandell and 1 Great Grandson Jude Thomas Fortenbery (who he loved very much).

After serving his country, he married the love of his life, Brigitte Link and had 2 children (Rebecca & Jimmy). They were married for over 40 years and enjoyed many wonderful memories and trips, especially trips to the lake with family and friends.

After the passing of Brigitte (wife), he met a special friend and companion Aline Kaelin. They enjoyed 18 wonderful years together and loved to go on their trips and volunteering at church (St Joseph and St Louis Bertrand). He was a lifelong Catholic, where his faith guided him during his many trials with the loss of his wife, son and Aline.

He would always talk about how much he loved his grandchildren and how very proud he was of them. He loved his special trips to the casino boat with his grandson Michael, taking his granddaughter Katelyn on special shopping trips and lunch together. He also had a special relationship with his youngest grandson Matthew, who he would pick up from school and take him to all his many appointments and then get ice cream afterwards to make all things better. He loved cooking with all three of his grandchildren especially at Christmas where they would make cookies and candy. He would tell them “It’s all about sampling everything you make to make sure it’s good”. He cherished each of these memories and spoke about them often.

He enjoyed watching his UK Wildcats and believed that they only lost due to “Bad Officiating”. He enjoyed the great outdoors and loved to hunt and fish with his brother, family and friends. He also enjoyed golfing, bowling, going to Vegas with his family, playing poker with his friends and cooking, especially making his famous cheese cake and pies for the holidays.

A visitation for James will be held Wednesday, May 10, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Arch L. Heady and Son Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 7410 Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222. A funeral service will occur Thursday, May 11, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, 1395 Girard Dr., Louisville, KY 40222.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.archLheadywestport.com for the Zimmerman family.