Terrence Martin Zimmerman Obituary (1946 - 2017)

Terrence Martin Zimmerman Terrence Martin (Terry) Zimmerman, 70, of Tallahassee, FL, died May 23, 2017, in Seattle, Washington, after a courageous battle with cancer. Terry was born in Youngstown, Ohio, and grew up in the small village of McDonald. He worked his way through college holding down jobs as a life guard, a school custodian, a newsstand clerk, a steel mill machine shop assistant, and a pulp log handler. He attended Ohio State University and Youngstown State University, where he earned a B.S. in Chemistry and met and married his wife, a fellow chemist in 1969. Terry then moved to Tallahassee to pursue graduate studies in chemistry at Florida State University (FSU). While attending FSU he earned a commision as a 2nd Lt. in the US Army as well as a M.S. Ed. Terry had always loved the outdoors and water and discovered the excitement of scuba diving in Florida. He was a certified scuba diving instructor and a dive shop owner for 13 years. He then decided to apply his diving instructor experience to the classroom as a chemistry instructor for Taylor County High School (TCHS). While at TCHS, Terry became interested in environmental education. He collaborated with colleagues to develop an integrated Math, English and Environmental Science curriculum and was the Project Facilitor of the Econfina River Initiative, that was recognized at the state level with the Lawton Chiles Governors Award for Excellence in Environmental Education and recognized nationally as a National Service-Learning Leader School. During his tenure at TCHS, he authored and received 12 grants from the Service Learning Council and 8 Business Compact Partnership grants for the program. Terry later transitioned from TCHS to teaching physical science and chemistry at North Florida Community College (NFCC). At NFCC he was the club sponsor of the Sentinel Rocketeers and also held rocket workshops for elementary and middle school students. Upon retiring from NFCC, Terry continued his interest in rocketry and education as a mentor for the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Diamondbacks to compete in NASA's University Student Launch Initiative (USLI). Terry's pride and joy came from seeing the team win first place in the mile high altitude category achieving 5,270 ft., the closest any team has ever achieved in this competition. In addition to enjoying rocketry, Terry also loved fireworks. He enjoyed spending retirement time working with the Florida Pyrotechnics Arts Guild and learning about the chemistry and artform of fireworks making. In addition to teaching and his hobbies, Terry also enjoyed sharing his love of the outdoors with his children and others. Terry spent two entire summers camping with his family in national parks throughout the US. He was an Eagle Scout and volunteered to serve as an Assistant Scount Leader with BSA Troop 118 going on innumerable campouts, hikes, and canoeing expeditions with the scouts. He also enjoyed yearly visits to the family cabin in Grand Marais, MN, enjoying family, fishing, and World's Best Donuts. Terry is survived by Carol Zimmerman, his loving wife of 47 years; children, Travis Zimmerman (Marino Pecorino) and Jackie Zimmerman; his siblings, Carol Jean Zimmerman (Steve Hatch), Brian Zimmerman (Rhonda), Mark Zimmerman (Diane) and Lori Backlund (Terry); and their families. Terry's life has been a true adventure and he has worn many hats - husband, father, teacher, mentor. He will be missed. A Funeral Mass will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, where he was a member for over 35 years, 621 Miccosukee St., Tallahassee, FL, on June 23rd at 10:00 AM. A Celebration of Life will be held that evening from 6:00 - 8:00 PM in the church hall. Terry always said that he did not want those he left behind to be sad. He wanted us to have a party. So to honor him please join us to share memories along with some of Terry's favorite foods, music, and mementos. In lieu of flowers, a contribution in his honor may be made to the Boy Scouts of America or the National Parks Conservation Association or a charity of your choice. Hoffner Fisher & Harvey Guestbook at harveyfuneral.com