Dr. James Zimmerman

BLOOMINGTON — James D. Zimmerman, MD, 69, of Bloomington, began his eternal life on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018, at his home, after battling brain cancer.

Dr. “Jim”, as he was known by all his patients and their parents, was born on March 16, 1949, in Mason City, the son of F. Wayne and Janice Mathers Zimmerman. He married Sharry Olson on Sept. 7, 1974, in Princeton.

Dr. Zimmerman graduated from Princeton High School in Princeton in 1968. He received a degree in pharmacy from Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, in 1973. He graduated from the University of Illinois Medical School and did his residency at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo.

Dr. Zimmerman moved to Bloomington in June of 1979 and opened Bloomington Pediatrics. He retired in August 2013. In addition to being a beloved pediatrician, he was a devoted son, brother, husband, father and Papa who loved spending time with his family, golfing, fishing and cheering on the Cubs!

Along with his wife, Sharry, and his mother, Janice Zimmerman, also of Bloomington, he is survived by his three children, Matthew Zimmerman of Montana, Susan (Brent) Collins of Bloomington and Jonathan (Sarah) Zimmerman of Indianapolis, Ind. He was the proud Papa to five grandchildren, including Ethan and Annabel Collins, and Everett, Gage and Caroline Zimmerman. His brothers, Dr. Richard (Debbie) Zimmerman of Olympia, Wash., and Dr. Thomas (Barbara) Zimmerman of Scottsdale, Ariz. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4, and a celebration of his life for family and close friends will be Saturday, Jan. 5, at the First Presbyterian Church, 2000 College Ave. in Normal, with the Revs. Larry Gaylord and Matt Wilcox officiating. A private inurnment will be held at a later date.

The family suggests memorials can be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation, P.O. Box 62066, Durham, NC 27715; First Presbyterian Church in Normal; or the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Peoria.

Arrangements are being handled by Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home in Bloomington. Please view the obituary and share your condolences and memories online at www.calvertmemorial.com.