James A. “Jim” Zimmer, 75, of Olathe, KS, passed away on Thursday, May 26, 2022.

Jim and his twin brother John were born on November 14, 1946 to Harvey L. and Rachel M. (Barnard) Zimmer in Chicago, Illinois. Jim graduated from John Marshall Harlan High School in January, 1965. In March, 1965 he enrolled at Vennard College in University Park, Iowa where he received his call to children’s ministry and education. He also met the love of his life, Edna Reames. They were married on June 22, 1968. Upon graduation in 1969 from Vennard he was employed at Kiddie Kollege Preschool and Daycare. In 1976 Jim and Edna moved their family to Olathe, KS to attend MidAmerica Nazarene College (now University) where he received a BA in Education in 1978. Jim also earned a Master’s Degree in Education in 1989 from Webster University. In 1980 Jim accepted an invitation to be the first full-time Children’s Pastor of College Church of the Nazarene. In 1985 he became employed with the Olathe Public Schools, where he served at three elementary schools until retirement in 2009.

Jim is survived by his wife, Edna; son, Matthew (Jeni) Zimmer; daughter, Rachelle Theel; grandchildren Christen (Brady) Spencer; Carissa (Andrew) Nohrenberg; Caleb Zimmer; Tait Theel and Turner Theel. He is also survived by his brothers, Harvey (Katrina) Zimmer, Keith (Becky) Zimmer; sister, Joy (Dennis) Kadwell; sister-in-law, Glenda Zimmer, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his twin brother, John.

The family will receive guests for a visitation from 10:00-11:00 am on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at College Church of the Nazarene - Main Sanctuary, 2020 E Sheridan St, Olathe, KS 66062. The memorial service will follow at 11:00 am.

Jim's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to College Church of the Nazarene, c/o Children’s Ministry, 2020 E. Sheridan St, Olathe, KS 66062.


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