Jim Zimmerman is a graduate of Morehead State University and a former army officer, a recipient of the Bronze Star and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

Jim and his wife, Better, have lived in Oldham county since 1972 and have a daughter, Tricia, who attended Oldham County High School and Western Kentucky University.

For ten years, Jim served as State Representative, receiving the Outstanding Legislator of the Year Award from the American Legislative Exchange Council in 1993, a first for Kentucky.  After serving as Executive Director of the Office of Workplace Standards under Governor Fletcher, he joined Citizens Union Bank as Vice-President and Oldham County Market Executive.

Jim had been involved in civic activities for many years and currently serves on Discover Downtown LaGrange, The Oldham County Education Foundation, OLDA and several other boards.  Nationally, he serves on the Board of the Nez Perce Trail Foundation.