James Zimmerle

Once, I asked dad what he wanted in his obituary. He said “just say Cooter died”, but there is more to his story. James Nelson “Cooter” Zimmerle, a resident of Prairieville, LA passed away March 10, 2022. He was born April 4, 1934 in Baton Rouge, LA to Clarence and Myrza Gautreaux Zimmerle. He was a graduate of St. Anthony, Catholic High, Tulane University, and received a Masters Degree from Southern University. At Catholic High he lettered in football, baseball, basketball and track. At Tulane he won letters in football and baseball. He was honored by Catholic High School being named a Grizzly Great. He coached and taught at St. Stanislaus, Catholic High, Redeptorist High and Zachary High. He worked and retired from Rubicon Inc. He enjoyed working in his yard, gardening, working out at the gym, playing Senior League softball and playing with his great grandchildren. He is survived by two sons, Jay and wife Debbie and Jerry and wife Lupe’; two daughters, Julie Z. Tallo and fiance’ Bobby Brennecke and Jo Zimmerle and husband Matt Chapman; daughter-in-law Krista Lambert Zimmerle; 19 grandchildren; 43 great grandchildren and 1 great- great grandchild; brother Earl “Cheatie” Zimmerle; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Sylvia White Zimmerle; his parents C.D. “Cotton” and Myrza “Mirch” Gautreaux Zimmerle; brothers Clarence “Tinker” Zimmerle and Morgan “Dickie” Zimmerle; sons Jack and wife Catherine and Jeffery Daniel; grandsons Chad, T.J. and Dylan; granddaughter Brandi; and great granddaughter Adeline. Visitation will be at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy. Baton Rouge, LA on March 19, 2022 at 12 PM until funeral services at 2 PM. Burial will immediately follow in Resthaven Gardens of Memory. Family of Cooter Zimmerle would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Our Lady of the Lake Hospital and Harvest Manor for their compassion and gentle care.