Zimmerman, Leon John 6/4/1924 - 2/20/2020 Leon John Zimmerman of Jackson, MI (known to many as Lee or Zim) went to be with the Lord and the love of his life Helen on Thursday, February 20, 2020. Lee was married to Helen, who passed away in 2017, for nearly 70 years. Their family includes a beloved daughter, Pamela, who passed away in 2000, and two sons, David and Thomas. Pamela was married to Kevin Harty and they provided a grandson, Christopher (Jennifer) Harty. David married Rhonda and provided two grandsons, Paul (Elizabeth) Zimmerman and Daniel (Brittany) Zimmerman. Thomas married Catherine and provided the first grandson Matthew (Dottie) Zimmerman and two granddaughters Rachael (Kyle) Spears, and A.J. (David) Wolf. The family now includes seven great grandchildren Lola, Riston Lee, Ruby, Levi, Cleo, Arden, and Clara Helen. In his own words "We have been blessed with good health and life is good. Thank you, God." Born on June 4, 1924, Lee was the son of Albert and Marie Zimmerman of Hersey, Michigan. Lee was attending Grand Rapids University when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. A true hero, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp rather than being drafted and having no choice of assignment. He served in the U.S. Army Mighty 8th Air Force in WWII as a B-17 Bombardier assigned to the 457th Bomb Group. His B-17 was shot down on his 22nd mission over Germany on November 30, 1944, resulting in Lee becoming a POW in Barth, Germany at the Stalag Luft #1. Lee's internment lasted until May of 1945. After returning he met and married Helen and became a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather (Pops). A graduate from the University of Michigan, he led a successful career working as a manufacturers rep. for Balfour/Taylor. He was a respected community member involved in many organizations and groups including Kiwanis, the First United Methodist Church, and Jackson County Meal services, to name a few. Charismatic, big hearted, adventurous, tough but fair, lively, dedicated, sharp, my idol, confident, loyal, kind and very generous, are only a few of Zim's many attributes. Dedicated U of M sports fan, avid golfer, and world traveler, he made lifelong friends near and far; friendships treasured by many. Lee was a legend to all who knew him and will be dearly missed by many. A memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced.

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Published by Jackson Citizen Patriot from Feb. 22 to Feb. 23, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Leon Zimmerman

Sponsored by The Family.

15 Entries

Cindy MacKool-Hill

December 5, 2020

Mr. Zimmerman was in the same crew that my Dad, Albert Williams flew B-17’s in the 8th Airforce. He would call my Dad every Nov 30th because that’s when they were shot down and captured as prisoners of war. My Dad wondered why he didn’t call him this year. So sorry to hear another WWII vet is gone, part of the greatest generation.

Cindy MacKool-Hill

Darcy Guyton-Hanna

March 17, 2020

We will so miss Lee at the Former POW meetings at theVA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. Such a honor and privilege to have him in our group and to know him! Also he was a favorite patient in the Dental Service as well.

Janet Hanson

March 2, 2020

When I was very young, about 5, 6 or 7, I went across the street from my house to the Zimmermans house on Halloween. Right after knocking and saying "Trick or Treat", two talls ghosts came running out near their garage saying "Whoooo". I ran all the way home! :D Their daughter Pam was a wonderful, fun babysitter, doing crafts with us. And Tommy was my first 'husband', getting married in my front yard... besides ramming around the few yards and field behind us with other neighborhood buddies... and trying out dog food! My mother tells me that when my older brother David died, Lee and Helen were very supportive even though we were new to the neighborhood at that point. At Vista Grande Villa, I was very happy to be able to talk with Lee a bit and congratulate him on his special recognition for his service in WW11 at the State Capitol recently. I wish I had known him better, but even as I did from afar it is easy to see what a very special person this man has been, that has been a good friend & example to many. I am so glad to know of his strong faith, and pray all the comfort of God to David & Tom and their families, and close friends who I know will miss him. With Love, Janet Hanson (and for Mary Scroggs)

Rebecca Nelson

February 24, 2020

Mr. Zimmerman I will miss you dearly. I work at Vista Grande Villa and would see Mr. Zimmerman in the dinning rooms. He would always brighten the room when he walk in. Almost everytime I saw him he had something Michigan on. He loved his U of M. I know that he is up there with Helen smiling down on us. We will miss u Mr. Zimmerman the dinning rooms arent going be the same without you.

Ted Wray

February 24, 2020

Dear Zimmerman family,

What an honor and privilege it has been to have Lee and Helen in our lives. We at First United Methodist Church have been so blessed to have worshiped with them throughout the years. They were both instrumental to the growth and sense of church family that we all felt.

They were truly part of the "greatest generation" that this country has and will ever know. Their values were always Christ centered.

May the memories of Lee live vibrantly in each and every family member throughout the years to come.

Blessings to you all.

Ted and Linda Wray

Karen Davey

February 24, 2020

We spent a wonderful week in Germany with Lee and Helen, as well as sitting behind them at the symphony for many years. We had so much fun on our European vacation! Lee and Helen were great sports and hiked everything along with us younger companions. I'll never forget how Helen wore little Keds sneakers to hike, while the rest of us had name-brand hiking shoes! She never once complained.They headed from there to visit his POW camp location; we got to hear a few war stories before they left. He was a true hero. We feel blessed to Have known Lee and Helen. They were role models for all of us, and we are happy that they are together in Heaven. Well done, good and faithful servants!

February 24, 2020

Thank you for your service Mr. Zimmerman.

Kathy Smith Ott

February 23, 2020

So sorry to hear about Lee's passing. My mother, Mary Ellen Smith, worked for Lee and Helen for many years. I also was lucky enough to tap in to Lee's expertise and knowledge first hand as the yearbook editor in high school. Didn't matter how long it went between visits you always were greeted with a smile. Hang on to all the memories.

Rand Coller

February 23, 2020

Lee is a REAL hero and a great example to all whom he encountered. I'm proud to have known both Lee and Helen. Condolences to everyone in their family circle.

February 22, 2020

Leon, I was Honored to know you. You shared your life and war experiences with me and I got to know you in the process of picking you up to rent a car from us. Thanks again for your service and thanks for being a great friend to me.

Enterprise Driver

Kim Kampf

February 22, 2020

Words cannot describe how you touched my life. You were so much more than a resident at Vista, you were one of my best friend. You were a true gentleman. I will miss you so very much!! I am glad you are reunited with your beautiful, Helen. My prayers are with your wonderful sons, Tom, Dave and their families. Love you, Zim.

Kim Kampf

February 22, 2020

Words can not describe how you touched my life. You were more than a resident at Vista, we were one of my best friend. I cannot tell you how much I will miss you, Zim. Prayers for strength and peace for your wonderful family, Tom, Dave and their families.

Sandy Wolfinger-Bromley

February 22, 2020

My condolences to the family. I worked with Lee for years when I was the yearbook advisor and a class advisor at GLHS. He was great to work with!

February 22, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Sierra Caler

February 22, 2020

You where a amazing man. Let your life story live on. You believed in me and pushed me to go back to nursing.

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