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James Zimmerman

April 23, 1987 - January 27, 2021

James Joseph Zimmerman passed away unexpectedly on January 27, 2021. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at Ankeny Memorial Funeral Home (4208 N. Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023). Service following visitation at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 3, 2021. Please wear Iowa Hawkeyes or New England Patriots apparel or colors in remembrance of James.

James “J.J.” was born on April 23, 1987 to Jim and Julie (Downs) Zimmerman in Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated from Ankeny High School and was a proud alumni. He was a Fiber Optics Technician at IES Communications, at the Facebook plant in Altoona, IA.

James was such a kind, caring, loving person with a handsome and infectious smile, unforgettable laugh and outgoing personality. That made him the life of the party. He was a sports enthusiast and could rattle off any statistics at the drop of his hat. His favorite teams were the Iowa Hawkeyes and New England Patriots. His favorite professional athletes were Michael Jordan, Lebron James and Tom Brady.

James loved playing ping-pong, pool, shuffleboard, tennis, corn-hole, rollerblading with Aston and street basketball. He thoroughly enjoyed spending quality time with friends and family. Especially, mimosas on Thanksgiving and Christmas morning, traditional holiday dinners and countless memories at the lake. However, the times he treasured the most were moments spent with his nieces (Elle, Emery, Raelynn), nephews (Braeden, Kamden, Klayton, Kylen, Xavyer), fur-nephews (Finn, Beauxden, Drake, Rocco), fur-niece (Carmel), fur-sister (Jada), and his fur-son, Aston. They were his greatest joys in life.

James is survived by his parents, Julie (Downs) Zimmerman, James McMurray, and Jim (Jodi) Zimmerman; his siblings, Nicole (Andrew) Parks, Erica (Zach) Zaputil, Alexis (Allen) Zimmerman, Joe (Kyla) McMurray and Gabe McMurray; his grandparent,s Nancy Downs, Robert (Judy) Downs, and Joan Zimmerman; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and memorable friends.

James was preceded in death by his grandfather, Howard Zimmerman; aunt, Dawn Minson; and fur-son, Aston James.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in James’ honor be made to either AHEINZ-57 (local organization) https://aheinz57.networkforgood.com/projects/90176-everyday-giving-page , Villalobos Rescue Center “Saving Man & Man’s Best Friend” at www.vrcpitbull.com or send a check to Villalobos Rescue Center, P.O. Box 771127, New Orleans, LA 70177.

James’ funeral service will be livestreamed. You can view the livestream on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 starting at 6:00 p.m. Central Time at the following link:
https://vimeo.com/507161527