John H. Zimmerman

John  H. "Jay" Zimmerman, of rural Orangeville  (Fishing Creek Township), died Wednesday evening, February 18, 2026 at the Gardens at Orangeville. 

Born January 29, 1925 in Huntington Township, Luzerne County, he was a son of the late John R. and Jennie Maude (Sheerer) Zimmerman.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 78 years, Lyle H. (Hunsinger) Zimmerman, on February 14th. 

He was educated in a one room school house at Sunshine, Jonestown, Fishing Creek and then attended Benton High School.

Jay faithfully and honorably served his country in the U. S. Army during World War II, as a Technician Fifth Grade, Headquarters Battery, 721st Field Artillery Battalion, 66th Division.  Among others, he served in the battles and campaigns in Northern France.  He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal; the EAME Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. 

Jay was a machinist by trade and was employed by the Magee Carpet Company in  Bloomsburg and later for Penn-DOT and then Bloomsburg Carpet Company, retiring in 1990.  He also attended Penn State / Hazleton to obtain his Real Estate License and then worked as a Real Estate Agent for Safe Buy. 

He was a member of the Stillwater Christian Church where he and his wife assisted with the clothing give-away program.  He was previously an active member of the Jonestown United Methodist Church where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and a trustee.  He was a Past Master of Oriental  Lodge, No. 460, F. & A. M., of Orangeville and served on the board of the Antique Car Club of Berwick.

Jay was a member of the local Barbershoppers for ten years; bowled on a bowling league for the Magee Carpet Company and collected old hit and miss gas engines, along with restoring antique cars and motorcycles.  Jay especially enjoyed and cherished the time that he spent with his family. 

Surviving are his two daughters:  Lynn Z. Fritz and her husband, Robert, of Bendertown; Karen Z. Wenner and her husband, Edwin, of Orangeville; five grandchildren:  Stephanie Klush and her husband, Dale; Brooke Bergstrom and her husband, Neil; Brent Beishline and his fiancée, Nikki; Bethany  Beishline Schmidt and her  husband, Ross; Douglas Wenner and  his wife, Lori and eleven great grandchildren.

The  Family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at the Gardens at Orangeville and Compassus Hospice for the compassionate care that was provided to both Jay and Lyle.

Graveside services will be held at a later date at the Jonestown Cemetery with Pastor Scott Lyons, Stillwater Christian Church, officiating.  In  lieu  of  flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Stillwater Christian Church, 39 McMichael Street, Stillwater, PA  17878.  The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc. of Benton, is honored to serve the Zimmerman  Family.  For online condolences or additional information, please visit our website:   www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John H. Zimmerman, please visit our floral store.