James "Big Jim" Edward Zimmerman

James Edward “Big Jim” Zimmerman, 73, of Cherry Valley, died, Thursday, November 13, 2014 in his home with his wife at his side. He was born on September 22, 1941 in Ottawa, the son of Edward and Bernice Zimmerman. Jim attended first through eighth grades in a one-room school house in Fall River Township. He graduated from Ottawa Township High School and Illinois Valley Community College. He also attended DeVry Institute and took time to work on his parent’s farm. Big Jim married his loving wife, Kayla Reding in 1977 in Marseilles. Big Jim was an electrician and worked for Union Carbide in Ottawa and then worked and retired from the Chrysler plant in Belvidere after 25 years where he was a member of Local UAW 1268. He was an avid hunter, camper, fisherman and enjoyed watching NASCAR with his family. Big Jim could be found working in his yard, tinkering around the house, and loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was a quiet man, who observed the world around him and loved and cherished his family very much. Big Jim will be missed dearly by his family and friends. Survivors include his wife Kayla of Cherry Valley; step sons Jim (Cheryl) Graham of Colorado and Jon (Kim) Graham of Rockford; grandchildren, James, Jared, Matthew, David, Bailey, Jackson, Kaitlyn and Carter; siblings, Gary (Kathy) of Streator, Karen Young of Marseilles and Art (Debbie) of Streator and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, James “Jimmy” Zimmerman. Memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, November 22, 2014 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel 1860 S. Mulford with Major Ronald L Alexander officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of service in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to International Rett Syndrome Foundation in honor of Kelsey E. Croissant, P.O. Box 706143, Cincinnati, OH 45270-6143