Scott Paul Zimmerman

Scott Paul Zimmerman, 60, of Jacksonville, FL, a pillar of the Jewish community, passed away Thursday, December 25, 2014 at Mayo Hospital after a courageous battle with congestive heart failure. Born July 20, 1954 in Jacksonville, Scott served as Ritual Director and Bar/Bat Mitzvah Coordinator of the Jacksonville Jewish Center, Jacksonville for the past 14 years. Sharing his passion for Jewish education for over 25 years at the elementary, high school, and adult education levels, Scott prepared more than 250 bar/bat mitzvah candidates since 1997, with patience, love, and humor. A 1976 graduate of the University of South Florida majoring in elementary education, Scott was also a musician from his early days, singing and playing washtub bass and guitar in several bands, as well as trumpet and cornet in the marching band. His gift of music brightened all aspects of Scott’s life. Scott was the go-to guy who knew how to get things done, whether it involved technology, schlepping, leading a minyan, or solving any of the endless details required to make the community run smoothly. Scott had that rare ability to make anyone, of all ages, feel included and comfortable through his warmth and humor. No baby could resist him. An artist, Scott created beautiful wood-burned pieces of Judaica, as complex as the rendering of the city of Jerusalem, and hand-carved and designed the chuppah poles for his daughter’s wedding. Scott was also mastering the intricacies of stained glass. He is survived by his beloved wife of 20 years, Suzanne, his cherished daughter, Casie Davidson (Jared) and grandson, Berk, New Orleans, LA and dear son, Aron, Jacksonville, FL. Other survivors include his mother, Mary Beissinger (Walter) Jacksonville, father Leon Zimmerman (Kathy) Hilliard, FL, and brothers Mark (Ellen), Donald (Betsy), and Robert. A funeral service is scheduled for 11:00am Friday, December 26 at the Jacksonville Jewish Center, 3662 Crown Point Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32257, with Rabbi Jonathan Lubliner officiating. followed by burial at New Center Cemetery, located at 43rd and Liberty Streets. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jacksonville Jewish Center, Jewish Family and Community Services, and Camp Ramah Darom. Shiva will be held Sunday, December 28 – Thursday, January 1 at the home of Walter and Mary Beissinger, 8204 Hampton Lake Lane, Jacksonville, FL 32256. Please Sign the guestbook at www.hardage-giddensoaklawnchapel.com HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd is serving the family.