James Arthur Zimmer

Art held a Master’s degree in Psychology and was a certified hypnotherapist. In the early 1960’s, he bought a residential care home for the mentally handicapped, and his education served him well. Professionally, over his career, he came to own several facilities in Ventura County. In his 30-plus year career, he successfully improved the lives of many suffering from mental illness. After retiring from the health care field, he built a successful property management business, which continues to thrive.

He always loved to dance. In his formative years, he danced competitively, then after the move to California, he was employed as a dance teacher at Arthur Murray Dance Studio in San Luis Obispo, where he met Mona Hughes. They married, and Mona worked with Art in the early years of his career in the residential care field. After 23 years of marriage, they divorced in 1987, but remained friends until her death in 2003. They had two daughters, Constance Lynn, and Christina Lee, and one beloved granddaughter, Amanda Lynn.

Later Art and Joyce Gray were married and shared 27 years of life together, along with her children, Jenifer Helchowski,(John) and Norman Gray, and granddaughter Tayler. Art loved to travel. He and Joyce traveled extensively throughout the US and the Caribbean.

Art is also survived by his sister Lorraine Cisneros and her children Jackie and John.

Art always believed in philanthropy and was actively involved with the East Ventura Kiwanis Club. He held several leadership positions with Kiwanis, including a term as Lieutenant Governor for the California-Nevada-Hawaii district. With his local club, Art supported programs that partnered with the Ventura Unified School District to provide scholarships to promising students and raised money to fund support groups for at-risk teens. He was also hands-on with the children. He loved playing Santa Claus for the Boys and Girls Club Christmas party every year. Art passed on his passion for giving to his children, who will continue his legacy for community service.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, July 13, 3:00pm, at Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations go to Shadow Cats Rescue, via their website www.shadowcats.net.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.