John Timmerman

JOHN TIMMERMAN

LAKEVIEW — John P. Timmerman, died Sunday, July 12th 2015 at Indian Lake.

John was born on December 7, 1923 in Lima to J. Paul Timmerman and Eleanor (Isham) Timmerman. Love of music, always a big part of his life, began as he studied piano from age 6 to 18, and performed in a variety of school and civic organizations as he grew up in Lima. After graduating from Lima Central High School in 1942, John spent three years in the US Army. Following WWII he toured southern Germany with the Army entertainment group as both a pianist and choir leader. Later while attending Cornell University, where he received a degree in Sociology, John sang with the Men's Glee Club, was the accompanist and club President, performed in two other choir clubs, and wrote original music for numerous campus organizations.

Upon returning to Lima, John married the love of his life, Margaretha Rumo, on March 15th, 1952 and worked with his father at the Peerless Coal Company until 1960, when he became the owner of the John P. Timmerman Co., until 1982. He also served as Vice President of Marketing and Savings Officer of the South Side Savings & Loan.

His love of music continued after college as both a composer and performer who wrote several original musicals for the Encore Theater as well as a musical version of Alice in Wonderland and numerous songs for Cornell. His most notable musical contribution may be the original musical "Carol cards" he wrote with love for his family and friends each Christmas since 1966.

John continued his love for the city and its people by giving of his time to numerous civic, educational and arts related organizations in various leadership roles. Alongside his love of music was his love of science. He assisted the development and growth of several aerial research organizations as a spokesperson and board member while doing whatever it took to make sure those who were curious in science, stayed curious.

His family was always at the center of his heart. Providing for them, spending time with them at the dinner table, watching the sun set at Indian Lake, spending holidays together and traveling the world with his wife gave him the greatest pleasure.

He is survived by his wife, Margaretha, and their four children, Nancy of Bowling Green, David of Lakeview, Martin of Akron and James (Jill Segerman) of Blue Ash, as well as four grandchildren, Ann (Jesse Lambdin) Cromley, Sarah (Matt) Kubacki, David (Megan Morgart) Cromley and Ryan Timmerman.

Friends may call from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm Saturday.

A Celebration of Life will be at 2:00 pm Saturday, July 18th at Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Shawnee Chapel, 1170 Shawnee Road, Lima 45805 with Rev. Wanda Werking officiating. Military honors will be performed by the US Army. Cremated remains will be buried at a later date.

As he was a founding member of so many Lima organizations, in lieu of flowers, we suggest any memorial contributions in his name may be made to your favorite Lima group, the Lima Symphony Orchestra or Lima ArtSpace. Help continue make the city that John loved a great place to live.