Jay passed away at age 65 on December 27, 2024.   He was from Springfield, MO, growing up in Bolivar, MO and was the son of Rheba and Jac Zimmerman.

He is preceded in death by his mother Rheba and father Jac Zimmerman of Bolivar, MO; his brother David Zimmerman of Jefferson City, MO.  He is survived by his wife Barbara Zimmerman and son Trey Zimmerman; Barbara's children, Cap and Amy Briant.  Jay is also survived by his brother Danny, sister Janis, sister-in-law Sandi Zimmerman, his nieces, Tracy Black, Kelly Pahl, and Dana Zimmerman as well as his nephews Marc Zimmerman. And Adam Zimmerman.

Jay was an avid golfer; his home was at Millwood Golf and Racquet Club but could be found on many courses around the state.   He attended University of Missouri in Columbia and later transferred to Southwest Missouri State to finish his golfing career.   He was a charter member of Millwood Golf and Racquet Club for 29 years.  Jay loved to give back to the game by volunteering his time on the Missouri Golf Association Board and you could always count on him to help officiate rules at any tournament that was needing assistance – he loved giving back to the game and helping the junior golfers find their path on the course.  He was a true ambassador of the game as he was a fierce competitor but mostly, he had respect for the game and enjoyed the true "sport" of golf.  It is a gentleman's game – honor, respect, integrity – these were true qualities of Jay and he loved how the game fit in that mold.  Jay took great pride in his ability to play the sport and his greatest words of wisdom in response to a disappointing round or match was "well...play better!"

Jay was a true competitor winning over 150 club tournaments throughout his 29 years as a Millwood member.  In 2012 he won both the Men's and the Senior Millwood stroke play championships, making for a total of 4 club championships, as well as 2 match play titles, and 4 senior club champion titles.  In 2014 he was inducted into the first class of Millwood Golf's Hall of Fame.  Jay loved to celebrate with his friends and commiserate on the politics of the day; the good or bad round of golf; or just hang out and enjoy the friends he called family at Millwood and on the golf course – wherever that might be!

One of Jay's longtime friends remembered the first time playing Zim in an event and had not real understanding of the game.   On the 9th hole, Jay was about 200 yards out and over a pond, he turned and asked... "which side of the hole would you like me to put the ball?"  mind blown, as Jay proceeded to place the ball 3 ft left of the hole for an easy eagle!  He had that skill!

Missouri Golf Association (MGA) and amateur golf was a deep passion for Jay.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: MGA, Missouri Junior Golf Scholarship, PO Box 10464, Jefferson City, MO 65110.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 10, 2025 from 4-5:30 PM in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Springfield, MO with a celebration of life to follow at 6:00 pm at Millwood Golf and Racquet Club, 3700 E. Millwood Drive, Ozark, MO.