James Lee Zimmerman

James Lee Zimmerman, age 81, of Emerickville, PA, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at the DuBois Penn Highlands Hospital in DuBois, PA. He was born at home on June 2, 1942, to the late Charles A. and Grace Alice (Jones) Zimmerman in Emerickville, PA. He graduated from Brookville Area High School in Brookville, PA, and then continued his education at Penn State DuBois, PA. On March 10, 1988, James married Corabelle (Crawford) Zimmerman at the Cochrans Mill United Methodist Church. They celebrated and spent over thirty-six years together.

James started working as an operating engineer for the Local 66 Union in Pennsylvania, and later worked for Robert Cole Trucking in DuBois, PA. In 2004, he retired from Hallstrom Construction in DuBois, PA. Throughout his life, James was very active in many organizations. He was a longtime member of the NRA, Masonic Lodge in Reynoldsville, PA, and the Zem Zem Shrine Club in Erie, PA. He was also involved with the German American National Congress, the Jefferson County Historical Society in Brookville, PA, and a fifty-year member of the Operating Engineers Union. 

James was a hard worker all his life. He enjoyed working on his farm, mowing his property, and especially operating his backhoe. He liked being outdoors, hunting, fishing, birdwatching, or anything that involved nature. James was particularly interested in raising Koi Fish in the ponds on his property. He had a special talent for playing the guitar, and it was his favorite hobby. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

James is survived by his wife Corabelle Zimmerman; three children; Stephanie Colwell of Emerickville, PA, Scott (Jamie) Zimmerman of Emerickville, PA, and Wendy (Jack) McFadden of DuBois, PA; four grandchildren; Chelsea Chestnut of Summerville, PA, Austin Armstrong of Emerickville, PA; Arianne (Eric) Iorfido of Johnsonburg, PA, and Dr. Ryan (Madeline) Zimmerman of Danville, PA; and two great-granddaughters; Riley and Teagan.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by three brothers; and his two dogs; Zippy and Daisy.

At the wishes of the family, all services will be held privately. Interment will also be private at the Emerickville Lutheran Cemetery, Emerickville, Jefferson Co., PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in James’ name to the Jefferson County History Center, 172 Main Street, Brookville, PA or the Shriners Children’s Hospital, 1645 W. 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Carrier Funeral Home, 2834 Maplevale Rd., Brookville, PA. Please visit our website at www.carrierfh.com to find more information or place online condolences.

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