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James Zimmerman Obituary

Zimmerman, James ALBANY James Zimmerman, 58, died suddenly Friday, November 2, 2007 at Albany Medical Center. Born and raised in Grand Haven, Mich., Jim was the son of John C. Zimmer-man and Harriet Goodnight. After high school Jim joined the Navy where he served his country faithfully from 1967 to 1971. In 1972 he moved to the Capital District to marry Kathy Knapp and started working for Knapp Construction building homes. Shortly after he was accepted to the Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Okla. where he graduated in a field that served him well throughout his life. He then returned to the Capital District starting his professional career with Page Airways at Albany Airport in 1975. Jim soon took a job with N.Y. State Environmental Conservation as an aircraft mechanic. In 1988, he was promoted to chief of aircraft maintenance. He most recently worked for N.Y. State Police as the aircraft maintenance supervisor after their merger with ENCON. Jim was the past president of PAMA (Professional Aviation Maintenance Association) and was one of it's founding members, a federal aviation administration safety counselor, and the past president of the Thompson's Lake association. Jim is survived by his son Kristopher Zimmerman of Clifton Park; mother Harriet (Verle) Goodnight of Jacksonville, Fla.; brother John Zimmerman of Waldorf, Md.; close companion Marilyn Stone of Clifton Park. Other survivors include Kathy Knapp Whipple, Jane Knapp, Emerson W. Knapp Jr., Cindy Smith, Hank Knapp, John Knapp. His aunts and uncles, Mrs. Elizabeth Hughey of Santa Barbara, Calif. and Mrs. Dorothy Dart of Clovis, N.M., Arie (Joanne) Boon of Grand Haven, Mich. and Nancy Boon also of Grand Haven, Mich.; nephews, John and Erik Zimmerman; nieces, Sarah and Rachel Hoelman; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins in the Zimmerman and Boon Families. He was predeceased by his father John C. Zimmerman, his sister Jane Marie Zimmerman and recently by his uncle Peter Boon, Jr. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10:30 from the New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd. Colonie, then to Albany Church of Christ, 30 Russell Rd., Albany, for an 11:00 a.m. service. Calling hours will be Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mohawk and Hudson Humane Society, Oakland Ave., Menands, N.Y. or the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

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Published by Albany Times Union from Nov. 5 to Nov. 6, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for James Zimmerman

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Joann Boon

November 4, 2009

Dear Jim
I think of you often aunt Jo and I always thought of you as one of our own children when you came over I always lit up, oh boy Jims coming over, I always thought that you and I liked the same things, I loved airplanes and cars and loved doing mecanical things just like you I always told everybody that Jim could do everything and anything I dont think that there was anything that you couldent do. I miss you and love you Jim and always will. The one thing that helps me is knowing that you Janie, LuAnn and Steven are all together, I'm sure that you guys are having a ball in Heaven, I love you Jim. Your Uncle R Hi Jim, this is your Aunt Jo..I sure do miss you too and your smiling face, but also I miss you "teasing me!! Actually, I really liked it. Our time with John at the cemetery, was so special, John read some of his poems and put blue flowers in your urn , it was peaceful and comforting to each of us. The church service on "All Saints Day," was awesome at St. Pauls United Sunday. It helped Uncle R and I to put some closeure on your passing...You were so special to us and our comfort is in the precious, fun-filled memories that will be in our hearts forever. God only takes the best! Your presence is with us. We can still picture you smiling as you left us to go back home, saying, "Thanks foreverything, See you this summer,Love you guys." We are our blessed to have had you in our lives. Aunt Jo

Zimmerman John

November 4, 2009

I attended St. Pauls Church in Grand Haven with the Boon Family, on November 1st.

The pastor informed the congregation that a memorial gift was received from Verle & Harriet Goodnight in memory of James P. Zimmerman, Jane Marie Zimmerman, John Charles Zimmerman & Clara Zimmerman.

He also announced the presence of the family at the service in remembrance of you, Jim.

On November 2nd, the two year anniversary of your ascension to heaven, Arie, Joann, and I visited Lake Forest Cemetery to pay our respects.

It was a cool day with fall all around us. We placed flowers in your urn, and I read the poems I wrote in remembrance of you.

It felt good to be close to you and all of our dearly departed family.

Each year I will return, read the poems and take time to remember my little brother.

No man could have had a finer brother.

You have my love, Jim.

John L.

Harriet Goodnight

October 30, 2009

Dearest Jim
My heart is broken and life will never be the same without you. Your memories are everywhere and I think about you wherever I am. I wish I could be with your brother and your Aunt's and Uncle's when they all attend our church on Nov. 1st in your honor and your little sister, father and your Grandmother. The next day they will go to the cemetary to put flowers on your grave and also the rest of our family.
I love you Jim, Til we see each other again. Mom

Susan Trimarchi Lock 1 Marina

October 28, 2009

Jim, we miss you and your "Blue Haven" at our marina. Every time I walk out to your dock, your slip, I can see you and your big smile on the back of your boat. You loved that yacht, your dream was to retire on the water aboard the Blue Haven. Your boat and you still are on our web site, in memory of you it will always remain. I know somewhere you are sailing and you have clear skies and no wake!

John Zimmerman

October 27, 2009

Jim,

Today I travel back to Michigan, to be close to you on November 2nd. It will be a day to honor your memory and pay my respects to such a good man and fine brother. I will read the poems I wrote in remembrance of you, and take time to reflect on your life, and the passion you had for it and those people who were near and dear to your heart.

You are loved and missed by so many people I cannot even begin to name them all. You will always be in our hearts.

So many things remind me of you and what you did for all of us and how you treated all with such great respect.


Brother's Dreams

My brother Jim had a dream
To live his retired years at sea
Seeking out ports of call
On his "Blue Haven" with me

Jim lived life to the fullest
He made it clear to see
How proud he was and let all know
He loved his family

We have all been truly blessed
To have known and loved this man
He taught us by example
Of patience and helping when you can

Every day I talk to him
And tell him of my dream
To be together at the helm
Blue seas and skies serene
Plotting our next journey of the realm


I love you Jim

John L.

Verle Goodnight

September 24, 2009

Jim, your mom and I think of you everyday. Your mom still has a bad time thinking of you being gone for almost 2 years now. We know you had a good life and enjoyed all the people you have met.
John will visit your grave site in Grand Haven, and place some new flowers on it. He also misses you greatly.
We love you always, mom and dad

John Zimmerman

November 3, 2008

Jim,

I went to church on November 2nd. It was the first time since you had to leave us. It did make me feel you could hear my prayers.

I have mourned your passing each and every day.

November 2nd was a time for me to start a celebration of your life, and remember you for the fine man you were, and will always be in our hearts.

I will never be half the man you were, but I will try to live my life the way you would want me to.

No man could have had a finer brother.

You are my sheltering angel.

Kathy Whipple

November 2, 2008

Kris,
Its one year today that you lost your dad. I know the pain is as great today as it was a year ago. You need to remember all the great times you shared together. Remember dads great smile. He was always there for you, he is still with you in your memories and in your heart. We are always here for you. We love you very much Mom, Brian, Eric and Katlyn

Verle Goodnight

October 30, 2008

Jim, the church here in Orange Park, Fl. will have a blue flower arrangement in your honor for the Sunday service on the 2nd of Nov.
We miss you,
Mom and Dad

Verle Goodnight

November 17, 2007

Jim, we miss you a lot. You filled our life with so much joy and happiness of which we will never forget. The boat trips that were planned, your coming to Florida for the winter and all the projects you were going to help us with. We were so lucky to have you as a son, but God is just as lucky to have you with him now. We love you and you will always be rememberedin our hearts
Mom and Dad

John Zimmerman

November 17, 2007

No man could have had a finer brother. You were always there for me when I needed you Jim. Life is what you make of it, and you made a good life for yourself and your family. You lived life to the fullest, and knew how to have fun. You are a part of me and in my heart forever, brother. I look forward to fair seas, and time together again with you, on your BLUE HAVEN.

Joe Dewey

November 15, 2007

Jim's Family
My thoughts and prayers go out to jim's family. I worked with Jim at Page Airways and ENCON.I knew him since 78. He was always one who you could call for advice. We used to keep one another up to date on changes to the aircraft.

MARILYN STONE

November 14, 2007

JIM,

WE HAD A GREAT TIME ON THOMPSON'S LAKE AS WELL AS ON THE BLUE HAVEN. WE MET QUITE A FEW FRIENDS AT THE VARIOUS PORTS WE VISITED UP AND DOWN THE CHAMPLAIN CANAL. YOU WERE LOOKING FORWARD TO RETIREMENT SO YOU WOULD BE FREE TO SAIL IN THE BLUE HAVEN. YOU TALKED OF TAKING THE TWINS ON THEIR FIRST BOAT TRIP WHEN VISITING TEXAS. MY FAMILY AND I WILL MISS YOU FOREVER. I LOVED YOU AND ALWAYS WILL.

MARILYN

John & Darcy Knapp

November 8, 2007

a dear friend, a loving spirit, a gentle soul. we love you, we miss you, we will remember you fondly, always and forever. travel safely on your journey, ride the seas and find your blue haven beyond the horizon of this world

Karl + Tami Knapp

November 8, 2007

Kathy, Kris and Family,
We are so saddened about Jim. A truly great guy! He will be missed. He always had the best smile! We will always keep our memories of Thompson's Lake! Please know we are thinking of you all at this most difficult time. Cousin Karl and Tami

Dave "ESPI" Sheedy

November 8, 2007

Jim touched a lot of people and will dwell within all of us every day. I'm glad I could be there for all you in your time of sorrow as a shoulder to lean on and friend to console with.

John & Eileen Smith

November 8, 2007

To the Zimmerman Family,
Our heartfelt condolences on the loss of Jim. We can still see Jim zipping around Thompsons Lake on his jet ski and Tippy's ears flapping in the wind. Jim's ready smile and friendly nature will be sorely missed.

Trudy

November 7, 2007

Kris,
I was so shocked to find out about such an unexpected tragedy. My condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Trudy

Harvey

November 7, 2007

Jim was a great friend and neighbor. It was always a pleasure visiting with Jim while he was tinkering with one of his many projects. He will be greatly missed.

Bob Gilston

November 6, 2007

On behalf of Scarano Boatbuilding we are all deeply saddened by the tragic death of Jim. He was one of the those rare people that you come across that you truly looked forward to seeing each year as he returned to our shop with Blue Haven - his boat. He was an absolute pleasure to work with and both knowledgeable and fun to talk boats with. He was much more than one of our customers - he was our friend and we’ll miss him.

Chris Clark

November 6, 2007

Jim,
He will be missed. I used to appreciate the fact that he was always there with maintenance issues especially on Sundays when no one else was around.

Vince O'Brien

November 6, 2007

I had the pleasure of working with Jim for many years at ENCON Aviation. His support, friendship and professional work ethics will be with my memories of our days at the Albany Airport.

Keith Farron

November 6, 2007

Kris:

My condolences go out to you and your family, You are in my prayers.

Suzanne Fusco

November 5, 2007

Kris and family,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Gail Jahn

November 5, 2007

Dear Kris & Family, What a shock, we are just heart broken. Ed considered Jim a close friend. He was always there for us. We will always remeber the good times we shared. Our love and prayers are with all of you during this most difficult time.
Gail & Ed

Bill Antalek

November 5, 2007

I would like to send my deepest condolences to the Zimmerman family.
This year I started dating a wonderful girl. Through her I met many new faces. One of those people was James's son Kris.
The old saying of, "time flies when you are having fun", is very true. Kris made the Summer feel like two seconds.
Saddened I read James obituary and was in awe of his life full of civic and career accomplishments. That is a big sign of ones success in life.
Secondly, I was impressed with James other accomplishment in life. One that many successful people fail at and money can't buy. Having the love and fathering skills to give the World a son with strong morals and character like Kris.
Thank you and God bless,
Bill Antalek Jr.

Rebecca Jackson

November 5, 2007

Just wanted to send my condolences to your family in this time of sadness.

janelle

November 5, 2007

Kris and family,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. Please remember we're always here for you! Let us know if you need anything.

Janelle & Bill

Lynn Bruno

November 5, 2007

Zimmerman Family:
I had the pleasure of working with Zim for 3 years at SP Aviation. I will truly miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time.

Lock 1 Marina

November 5, 2007

Jim, all of us at Lock 1 Marina will miss your big smile that matched the wonderful view from the Blue Haven.Our Prayers are with you and your family.

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