James "Jim" Zipperer, 71

James "Jim" Frederick Zipperer, 71, passed away at home in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on Sept. 27, 2026. Jim was born in New Richmond, Wis., on March 31, 1955, to James and Mary Zipperer. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Wisconsin, where he also met his wife of 45 years, Diane. After living in New Mexico and California, they ultimately settled in Idaho in 1991. 

Jim loved to ski, fish and putter in his shop. He valued thoughtful design and enjoyed inventing solutions to everyday problems. A proud father of his girls, Kristen and Lara, he devised games to sharpen their math and geography skills and encouraged them to reach for the stars in their education.

Jim was often happiest on the family’s acreage near Sandpoint, where he worked on his tractor and took in the beautiful North Idaho views. In his final months battling lymphoma, he continued to enjoy watching the landscape and its wildlife from home on his game cameras. His sense of humor and insistence that “facts should never get in the way of a good story” continue to live on in his memory.

He is survived by his wife, Diane; his daughters, Kristen (Srish) and Lara (Matt); his brother, John (Julie) Zipperer; and his sister, Mary Kay (Andy) Rice. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary Zipperer.

Following cremation, the family will hold a private gathering to celebrate Jim's life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Jim’s memory to Special Olympics (support.specialolympics.org).

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. Please visit Jim’s online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.