Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Joseph Zimmer Obituary
Born in 1942 in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Joseph Max Zimmer Sr. and Anna Margaret Vogtmann Zimmer. He was the husband of Sheila K. Zimmer, his wife of 47 years.
He lived in Forest Hill before moving to Berlin in 1998. He attended St. Ursula's School, Calvert Hall College High School and the University of Baltimore.
He was the founder and president of Joseph M. Zimmer Inc., a contracting business with offices in Baltimore and Salisbury.
He was a past president of The Ocean City Marlin Club and the Brotherhood of the Jungle Cock, an organization developed to teach youth about the importance of preservation and conservation of our natural resources. He was also an active member of the Ocean City Light Tackle Club and The International Masters Angling Tournament. He was an avid fisherman who regularly traveled to remote destinations such as Canada, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Venezuela and Guatemala.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are sons Joseph M. Zimmer III and wife Julie, of Bishopville, John M. Zimmer and wife Lorie, of Churchville, and Robert F. Zimmer and wife Kathleen, of Eldersburg; grandchildren Shelby, Grayson, Gavin, Madison, Evan, Maggie, Jackson and Mason; brothers Ed and Robert Zimmer; and sisters Jane Zimmer and Denise Davis.
Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the Mass of Christian burial, 11 a.m. Thursday at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Ocean Pines, with the Rev. John Kavanaugh and Deacon Wil Pinder officiating.
A celebration of life will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at The Grill at Peerce's in Phoenix.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Brotherhood of the Jungle Cock (BOJC), P.O. Box 626, Churchville, MD 21028; or to the Peninsula Regional Medical Center (PRMC) Foundation, Attn: D. Billing, 100 E. Carroll St., Salisbury, MD 21801.
Arrangements are by Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.
Sign this guest book online at www.carrollcountytimes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Zimmer
Al & Cheri Poklemba
December 30, 2023
Thinking on this anniversary of Joes passing 11 years ago. Adjust know in our hearts that he is together with the love of his life, Shelia. They are both missed sorely. Cheri and Al Poklemba
Bunky and Betty Truitt
January 2, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Bunky truitt and Betty
January 2, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
This once-in-a-lifetime moment was made possible by Joe. Thank you, sir.
R.B. Craddock
November 28, 2012
What a great guy! And I don't say that lightly. In fact, we are all cheated by not having more time with Joe Zimmer. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
norbert patterson
February 6, 2012
Joe was a good man and a good friend and
a great salmon fishermen!And he will be
missed at the gourmet salmon lodge.
Scott Dance
January 13, 2012
I worked with, around and for Joe since 1970. A finer gentleman you could not find. A true friend who could always be counted on. My best to the family.
Kristin Messina Wrobel
January 10, 2012
Dear Zimmer family,
My mom told me the news about Mr. Zimmer and I wanted to express my sincerest condolences. Although, I haven't seen you in many years, I have fond memories of times spent together. May the love of family and friends comfort you all in this time of sadness.
Bruce Young
January 10, 2012
My thoughts and prayers to the Zimmer family, but also my thoughts go back to the time the family lived in Parkville, and a member of the St Ursala church. Joe's family had a large piece of land and every year they had the Cub Scout party there in the Summer. A great childhood memory from the past. Good people, and looks like he continued his family values. Peace and Chist be with you,
January 6, 2012
Shelia,
I am so sorry, I wish I could be there for you & your family at this time. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. I know you are surround by many people who love you always & will take good care of you. Thinking of you.
Allyson Remington
Bilal Hassan
January 6, 2012
I would like to express my sincerest and most sympathetic condolences to the Zimmer family in their time of loss. I worked for JMZ Inc. From 1985 -1990, in that time I was able to obtain my master plumbing license. I never met Mr. Zimmer but I always wanted to thank him for the opportunity to learn a trade, which enabled me to support my family. Thank-you Mr. Zimmer, the plumbing industry has lost a great asset.
January 6, 2012
Sheila, Joe, John, Rob- Joe was an excellent boss and i truly enjoyed working with the Zimmer family for almost 20 years. I have carried so much of what i learned from him with me in my new job in Texas. Our deepest sympathy. Karen & Jack Cambell, Corpus Christi TX, (formally Pittsville, MD)
Cheri Poklemba
January 6, 2012
Sheila, boys and families,
Please know that even thought we were seperated by miles and didn't see you often, we often thought of you all. Joe will forever be remembered in our hearts. He was always reached out and made us feel like family. Our love goes to you all and we pray you find comfort in rememberence of the joy that Joe found in living and and in his family.
Kristen Harrington-Davis
January 5, 2012
Mrs. Zimmer and family - my thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. I pray that you all will find comfort in the wonderful memories you have.
Charlie and Christy O'Hara
January 5, 2012
Our sympathys go out to the entire Zimmer family. Joe was an excellent man in every way and will be greatly missed.
John Knight
January 5, 2012
Sheila, Our deepest sympathys to you and your family. Joe was a great man . He will be missed!
Bunky and Betty Truitt
January 5, 2012
Our condolences goes out to your family for your loss. Joe was a great friend to us and associate in our business he will live in our hearts forever. Joe will truely be Missed.
Sue Hudson
January 5, 2012
To live in the hearts of family and friends is never to die.
BILL BLAIR
January 4, 2012
HI SHEILA I AM VERY SORRY SOR YOUR LOSS.GOING WAY BACK WHEN JOE AND I WERE KIDS YOU COULDN'T FIND A BETTER GUY.WE GRADUATED FROM ST.URSULA'S SCHOOL TOGETHER .WE HAD MANY GOOD TIMES TOGETHER IM SCOUTS,BASEBALL AND SOCIALIZED IN THE CYO A REAL GOOD GUY.OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. YOUR FRIEND BILL BLAIR
Mike Purkey
January 4, 2012
Sheila, sorry for your loss. Remember the days of buttons and bows. Joe was a great guy.
Stacy Mills/Witschen
January 4, 2012
Mrs. Zimmer, I only met your husband once or twice, but you gave me my first real job. You are a wonderful person with a wonderful family. My thoughts and prayers will be with you through this hard time. I know WDS will be there to help you all heal and remember the good times.
Tucker Fitchett
January 4, 2012
Sheila and family--
Maxine and I are so very sorry for your
loss. Joe was much more than "boss" to me. He was a good friend and fishing
buddy. He was a kind, caring, and
generous person. He built a great
company with his high standards and
work ethic. Joe will be greatly
missed. May God bless you and your
family in the days ahead and may His
peace be with you!
Tucker and Maxine
The York Family
January 4, 2012
Our deepest sympathies from our families to your family during your time of grief. Shall your pain be healed with the thoughts of JMZ JR.which could be nothing but wonderful memories.
Ed Braude
January 4, 2012
Mrs. Zimmer, from our family to yours our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Being your next door neighbors for 11 years we will miss seeing Mr. Zimmers friendly waves across the fence while working on his stunning property.
Our prayers are with you.
The Braude Family
Ed, Lisa, Taylor & Nathan
Rachael Campbell Brown
January 4, 2012
To the entire Zimmer Family~
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Joe Zimmer fly fishing for Atlantic Salmon on Quebec's Cascapedia River.
Joe Reynolds
January 4, 2012
Joe and I met about 50 years ago, just after the first Gurney Godfrey Dinner. I still recall the first time we fished together on Dundee Creek, again about 50 years ago.
Our last fishing expedition was to Quebec for Atlantic Salmon, just last year.
We shared a love of fishing, especially fly fishing, and he was my friend.
I'll miss him.
Joe Zimmer on Cascapedia River in Quebec. Fishing for Atlantic Salmon.
Joe Reynolds
January 4, 2012
Ron & Harriette Nichols
January 4, 2012
Both Harriette and I morn Joe's passing and offer our prayers to all of you in this time of grief. Joe always made me smile he was a character to remember.
David & Cindy Wimbrow
January 4, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Ronnie Diven
January 4, 2012
Sheila, Joey, John, and Robby...
My heart is full of great sadness for the loss of such a wonderful man who I adored and admired so much. Yet, I feel so very blessed for myself and my children to have been able to share those very precious years with your family. The "once in a lifetime" stories/memories are too many to list. As recent as yesterday, Neal Davidson and I found ourselves laughing when talking about our Zimmer years. We still have our Zimmer Girls (Myself, Mary, Lois, Marie)who have met monthly for 16 years. It was Zimmer that brought our lives together forever. My heart has stayed as fond of Joe and the Zimmer family as if there were no separation. My life would not be the same had Joe and Sheila and "the boys" (my friends) not been a part of it. His memory will live on in our home. With each corner you turn, there is a gift from Joe and Sheila from afghans to candy dishes to statues of children. We have kept you close to our hearts and will continue to do so. With a heavy heart...you are in our thoughts and prayers always!
January 4, 2012
Miss Sheila, Joe, John & Rob and families-
The O'Shea's were so sorry to learn of Mr. Joes's passing. We all fondly remember our vacations at the beach when we were kids. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
Fondly,
Tammy O'Shea Bulluck and all of the O'Shea girls & their families
Ron Bonnaville
January 4, 2012
Please accept our condolences in your loss. Joe was a great friend and associate in business he will live in our hearts forever. Ron and Marty Bonnaville
Kim Dryden
January 4, 2012
No words can express the absolute greatness that was Joe Zimmer Jr. I was hired into the family of Joseph M. Zimmer Inc. 7 months ago and could never ask for more. Joe was a kind and generous man who took great care of his employees. Most people gripe and complain about their jobs but to me Joseph M. Zimmer, Inc is my second home. Mr. Zimmer...you are greatly missed. You were truly a wonderful man!
Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results
Make a Donation
in Joseph Zimmer's name
Memorial Events
for Joseph Zimmer
How to support Joseph's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Joseph Zimmer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
