John "Jack" Zimmerman, Jr.

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - John (Jack) Zimmerman, Jr., of Cookeville, Tennessee, peacefully passed away at his home surrounded by his children on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the age of 88. He exemplified friendliness, a strong work ethic, and thoughtful mentorship. He was characterized by the many ways he cared for his family and how he lived out his Christian faith through acts of charity.

Jack was born September 28, 1936 and grew up in Scottdale, Pennsylvania, and graduated in 1958 from forestry school at Penn State University. His entire working career of 38 years was with Weyerhaeuser Company. He was a lieutenant commander weapons officer in the United States Navy with three years active duty and a commanding officer in the United States Naval Reserve for ten years. He raised his family in Oregon, Arkansas, and Mississippi before retiring in Tennessee.

Jack was an active member of Cookeville First United Methodist Church, where he loved to attend Bible study classes. With a few other men from his church, he started the "Dipsy Doodle Gang" which donated to organizations and built ramps for people needing wheelchair access into their homes.

Jack will always be remembered for his love of telling stories, especially of growing up in rural Pennsylvania, memories of logging camp, and occasions of his favorite pastime, fishing. He had a lifelong love of the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and helping anyone with tree work involving a chain saw. Jack also enjoyed coin collecting, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, RV travels with his wife, Maria, and watching college football, especially his Nittany Lions.

In 2016 his beloved Australian Shepherd, Roxie, became a spoiled part of the family and from then on would often be seen around the neighborhood and town. Like her owner, Roxie quickly endeared herself to everyone she met.

Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Maria; his parents, John R. Zimmerman, Sr., and Ethel Laverne Pritchard; his sisters and brothers-in law, Barbara and Ron Kearney and Sandra and Whit Ewing; and his nieces Shana Enos and Wendy Gallaway. He is survived by his sister Janie (Tony) Enos of Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, and his four children: Barbara Zimmerman (John Yokley) of Amelia Island, Florida; Angela Campbell (Bill) of Columbus, Mississippi; Christine (Edward) Kujawski of Canton, Georgia; and John R. Zimmerman, III, of Cookeville, Tennessee. He was a proud grandfather to Adam Guillory and a beloved uncle.

Jack's children and his sisters couldn’t have asked for a better father and brother, and we will miss him dearly. Jack's memory will live on in the hearts of the many people who loved him for the very special man he was.

A service will be held on September 27 at 12 noon at Cookeville First United Methodist Church in the sanctuary (204 E. Spring St.). Visitation will be from 11 am until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack Zimmerman's memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Cookeville First United Methodist Church.

Condolences may be sent to: The Zimmerman family, 2526 Park West Drive, Cookeville, TN 38501

Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.