Billyjack Zimmerman

Billyjack Zimmerman, 82, passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2009, at home.

Jack, or B.J., as he was called, was born January 20, 1927, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to William and Hattie (Nabakowski--Nabakofsky in the old country) Zimmerman. A single child with strong German ancestry, his first language was largely German. Entry into grade school in Milwaukee demanded English, which he mastered quickly, eventually leaving the German language behind.

As a young boy and into his teens, he rode his bicycle everywhere, including delivering newspapers on his paper route. In high school, he excelled on the swim team and enjoyed singing in choir with his beautiful baritone voice. It was in choir that he met his high school sweetheart, future wife, and soul mate, Grace Frances Kaczmarek.

In the beginning of the 10th grade, 1944, he joined the Navy and fought in World War II, still a teenager but determined to fight for his country and freedom. He and Grace married in 1949. Jack retired from the Navy following the Korean War, obtained his GED, and went to work for the Milwaukee Railroad as a machinist. For a period of time, he attended the Milwaukee Conservatory of Music for voice, even composing his own music. With such pleasure for singing, he often entertained by giving professional solo performances, singing in barbershop quartets, and playing the accordion or harmonica. Passionate for music that brought them together, Jack and Grace loved to dance as one, whether in swinging, waltzing, or ballroom styles, flowing across the dance floor.

Jack and Grace had three beloved daughters " Lynn, Chery, and Jacklyn. As the girls grew, the family would often go camping in the summers, carsick and all, traveling far and wide in the family's red Rambler while singing in the car. Jack particularly loved the beauty of the West where he could hunt and fish, and so, in 1963, the family moved from Milwaukee to Pocatello. Jack worked for the Union Pacific Railroad until he retired in 1989, at which time he and Grace continued to travel, taking cruises to exotic places.

Right from his youth, Jack was always a dapper dresser, stylish, and color-coordinated, no matter the activity he was doing. He enjoyed bowling, joining bowling leagues in Milwaukee and Pocatello. He also enjoyed golfing with Grace and had a golf cart that resembled a Model T, his pride and joy. Towards the latter part of his life, he was also pleased to be the owner of a stylish Cadillac that he babied. He was exceedingly proud to be a World War II and Korean War veteran, a member of the Juniper Hills Country Club, a Mason, and a Shriner, for whom he served as a clown, bringing smiles to children's faces.

Wise as a sage, Jack believed that there were four essential, priceless things each person should attain in a lifetime " family, friends, health, and finding true love. He was grateful to have been given all four.

Jack will be greatly missed by his surviving family members who include his children, Lynn Southworth, Palestine, Texas; Chery Cerise, Oak View, California; Jacklyn Mills, Pocatello, Idaho; son-in-law Steven Southworth; grandchildren, Tisha (Southworth) Bonney and husband James Bonney, Amy Southworth, Joshua Southworth, Spring Cerise; and great-grandchildren Brodie and Gabriella. He is preceeded in death by his wife of 51 years, Grace; parents, William and Hattie; sister-in-law, Delores Szrot; aunt-in-law, Frances Poczeczek; and son-in-law, Robert Mills.

The family would also like to thank Bob Duvall for the tremendous support he gave Jack in his later years.