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Douglas K. Zimmerman  1978

Cullum No. 36211-1978 | June 2, 2006 | Died in Suffolk, VA
Interred in Arlington National Cemetery, VA


A gentle giant once walked the Plain of West Point. Now, only his spirit remains. Douglas Kent “Z-Man” Zimmerman II, the oldest child born to William Carl and Beverly Zimmerman, on December 23, 1954 in Topeka, KS, passed away while serving at Joint Forces Command (JFCOM) in Suffolk, VA on June 2, 2006. He was respected and admired by everyone with whom he had served. 

Doug entered Beast Barracks on July 8, 1974. A cadet with a sense of humor who spent his first two years with Company D-1, where his classmates found him to be a friend for all and a cadet with the confidence that was to serve him well in the future, Doug joined the ranks of Company G-1 in the fall of 1976, where his reputation grew as he demonstrated strong academic abilities, an easy-going disposition, and a dry sense of humor, all of which permeated the hallways of West New South. Doug was known for walking the halls in his B-robe, a cigar in his mouth, or relaxing in the TV room while keeping up with the news and world events. Doug spent two years volunteering for the Army Football Team, filming games and taking photographs at various locales and, as noted by friends and his co-filmer, “always having a great time” wherever he went. Doug was well liked for many reasons, but mostly for his “gentle, big guy personality” we all could lean on.

Doug was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Armor branch, where he served with distinction, starting with the 8th Infantry Division, Germany, through his final assignment at the Warfighting Center, Joint Forces Command, in Suffolk, VA. He was recognized as a “take charge” officer, tireless in his efforts, highly proficient in his work, and a leader that often took care of his soldiers before himself, his family, or his fellow officers. While serving in the 5th Battalion, 68th Armor in Mannheim, Doug quickly projected a cool, calm, and collected disposition, along with a wry, dry humor, which was reflected in the soldiers and fellow officers that loved working for and with him. Doug pioneered the role that would later become the battalion battle captain, and throughout various exercises it was Doug’s clear, concise, and always calm interpretations that enabled units to understand and execute the orders given amidst the chaos. Doug later served in the Directorate of Program Integration and Leadership in III Corps Headquarters at Fort Hood, TX, where he also attended graduate school at the University of Central Texas. He was published in the February 1988 Military Review, writing on Corps level sustainment operations, and his skills in operations research and systems analysis were key to numerous Corps level operations while at Fort Hood. Doug’s distinguished career included active duty command of HHC, 2-81st Armor and Army Reserve Command of the 1287th Battalion, Fort Knox, KY and 2d Battalion, 346th Regiment, Camp Shelby, MS. His career was capped off with activation and assignment to the J7 Joint Warfighting Center, which he loved; he was also deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Doug further distinguished himself while attending the Armor Officer Advanced Course, the Command and General Staff Officers’ Course and the Army War College. Included in his accomplishments were earning his Parachute Wings and being a recipient of the Combat Action Badge. 

Doug leaves behind Renice A. Zimmerman, his wife of 24 years, and his son, Douglas K. Zimmerman III, as well as his parents and six siblings. Renice’s first impression of Doug was of “a jolly green giant dressed in fatigues, wearing the old geeky Army glasses.” Residing in the same apartment complex while Doug attended the Armor advanced course, the stage was set for multiple chance meetings. Doug and Renice found themselves sitting next to each other at the o-club—it was beef and burgundy night—and they talked for hours and, from that night onward, were never apart. The two married in a civil ceremony two days prior to Doug leaving for Hohenfels, Germany. Doug returned four months later for a traditional military wedding in the Catholic Church on December 4, 1982 at Fort Knox. Doug was an animal lover, loved weapons, shooting, sports cars, reading, and board and card games. Their son, Douglas, was born at Fort Hood and currently resides in Incheon, South Korea, where he is a professor at George Mason University Korea. Doug’s passion for dogs led them to owning their first Rottweiler in 1983. Doug and Renice became lifelong Rottweiler owners and fanciers, involved in showing, training and rescue efforts with their beloved breed. Renice continues the work that she and Doug were passionate about together. In his memory, Doug was honored with a permanent memorial fund in his name, which benefits Southern States Rescued Rottweilers, Inc., continuing his legacy as part of the Rottweiler rescue efforts in multiple states.

The spirit of this gentle giant lives on at West Point. His presence remains in the hearts of every cadet “who tread where he has trod, and they stand at attention awaiting his passing tread.” Doug’s memory lives on through those shadows and our hands grip tightly as we recall the blessing he was to each of us. We are proud to have been his friend, his brother in arms, his spouse, his son, and family. We remember him as a fine officer, smart and unflappable, a true friend, and a devoted husband and father. We bid farewell with love and great pride. Well done Doug, “Be Thou at Peace.”

— D-1/G-1 Classmates

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