James W. Zimmerman
July 9, 1969 – December 12, 2022
James William Zimmerman, 53, of Sault Ste. Marie, passed away peacefully at his family home in Newberry on Monday December 12, 2022. Diagnosed with cancer in August, he began treatments and bravely fought the disease until the end. Jim was born July 9, 1969 at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital in Newberry, the son of the late John L. and Gail P. (Johnson) Zimmerman.
Jim graduated from Newberry High School in 1987 and attended Lansing Community College earning an Associate Degree. Even as a child Jimmy loved everything electric and as a proud member of the IBEW he achieved Master Electrician certification. Jim continued working as an electrician throughout the Upper and Lower Peninsulas until his death.
In 2009, Jim co-founded Zim’s Bar and Grill and ran it with his partner Dennis until closing due to COVID in 2020. Jim loved his bar and all his regulars that would come in for a drink, some conversation or just a warm smile. Over the years he worked with many great people and considered them all his “bar family”.
Jim liked camping and being in the outdoors but most of all he enjoyed being with people. He loved nothing more than spending time with good friends around a campfire, at the bar or just relaxing with them at home. Generous to a fault, he was constantly busy doing favors for friends or finding some random way to brighten their day.
In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his brother Brian.
He is survived by his partner Dennis Burgan of Sault Ste. Marie, brother John of Brooklyn, New York, niece Veronika Roberts of Newberry and, the newest joy in his life, his shared grandson Silas.
A gathering of friends and family celebrating the life of Jim will be held Saturday, January 7, 2023 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the American Legion Post #74 Warren Room in Newberry.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
Alan Duane Panula
April 10, 1983 – January 2, 2023
Alan Duane Panula, 39, passed away unexpectedly at his home in McMillan on Monday January 2, 2023.
Born April 10, 1983 in Newberry, son of Judith (Schultz) Panula and the late John L. Panula, Alan was a 2001 graduate of Newberry High School and a 2004 graduate of Bay College with an associate degree in Automotive Technology.
A resident of Marquette for several years, Alan was employed by Superior Masonry and participated in Muay Thai kickboxing. Alan moved back to Newberry where he was previously employed by Newberry Wood Enterprises and also at Pine Stump. Alan was currently employed as manager at NAPA Auto Parts in Newberry and also owned his own business, AP Industries, providing firewood and snow removal. Alan loved being outdoors, fishing, hunting and hanging out with his friends.
Alan is preceded in death by his father John L. Panula; paternal and maternal grandparents, John (Agnes) Panula and Fred (Gladys) Schultz; half-brother Greg Panula.
Survivors include his mother, Judith Panula, of Newberry; sister, Kristinna (David) Trudeau, of Gladstone; half-brother, Michael Panula, of Arizona; sister-in-law, Aurora Panula, of Washington; nieces Nicolle Trudeau of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Macy Trudeau of Marquette, Alaina Trudeau of Gladstone, Jessica (Dan) Nicewonder of New Mexico and Janille Panula of Washington; nephew Aryn Panula of Oregon; many aunts, uncles and cousins; his companion dog Lacey Mae “Miss Napa”.
A gathering of family and friends will take place Thursday January 12, 2023 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Newberry. A memorial service celebrating the life of Alan will follow at 5:00 pm at the church with Pastor Kyle Kuehl officiating. Interment will take place in the spring of 2023 at Forest Home Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
