On Thursday, January 28, 2021, Gerald C. Zimmer passed away at the age of 81. Jerry is joining his parents Mary Smith and Allen Smith, along with his late wife Elizabeth Mae Zimmer. Jerry is leaving children Debbie Zimmer of Geneva, OH, Yvonne Zimmer of Copley, OH, and Mindy (Dean) Gochneaur of Lithia, FL; grandchildren Ashley (Andrew), Dameon, Haley (Ellis) Jake (Angela), Elizabeth and Blayde; great grandchildren EJ, Gracie, Yandi, Bailey, Hunter, Andy, and Elijah.
Jerry enlisted in the Army as a teenager. He was stationed in Germany where he witnessed the building of the Berlin Wall and would tell his grandchildren of the green beer. When it came to providing for his family, Jerry went above and beyond. He worked at T.R.W. and would retire after 32 years of service. He was a Thompson Township Volunteer Firefighter for a bit, but his true passion was being a Thompson Township Police Officer. Jerry is mostly well known as Officer Jerry or 182. Over his 40+ years of service he impacted many lives and destroyed many police cruisers.
When Jerry was not on duty, he was with his family He was always ready to pick up from practice, watch a game, or kick you off the phone because your 3 minutes was up and “you will see them tomorrow at school.” Jerry was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He could move mountains and made anything seem possible. Jerry will be missed, but never forgotten because heroes never die (Badge 182)
Jerry had been a lifelong resident of the East Claridon and Thompson-Montville area, retiring to Lithia, FL two years ago. He died while visiting his loving girlfriend of 20 years, JoAnne Sorci and her family, for the holidays.
He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Burton-Middlefield American Legion Post #459 and Willoughby FOE Aerie #2300. He enjoyed bowling, hunting, travel, and softball, coaching his girls in softballs leagues.
Visitation will be held on Monday, Feb. 1, 5-8 PM at the Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 116 South St., Chardon, OH. A FOP service by Lake Geauga FOP Lodge #16 will be at 8 PM. A Funeral Service will be at the funeral home on Tuesday at 11 AM. A police procession will follow to Claridon Center Cemetery. Masks and social distancing will be in effect. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.