Remembrances

The following are the loving remembrances of Jimmy that were posted to the Houston Chronicle’s memory guest book.
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February 24, 2006
Dear Kathy, Bob, Angela & David,
We just heard of your sad news and I wanted to let you know that your family will be in our prayers. May peace be with each of you and may Jimmy's soul rest in peace. God be with you all, Kim, Guinio & David Volpone
Kim Volpone (Omaha, NE )
kim@volpone.us
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February 24, 2006
Dear Family,
I am in Florida visiting family, and just now checked my Email. I totally froze and my sympathy goes out to Angela & family.
Jimmy was extremely talented and focused on acting. From what he taught us in acting classes told me how talented he was as a stand up comic, successful comic publisher. He certainly paved the road for us Calliope comedians and will be sorrily missed by many.
I met Jimmy Z. at the L.A 101 showcase in July '03 and got to talking to him then, extremely cool Dude.
I hope to follow his example of a well organized,succesful stand up comic and Actor.
Again Our sympathy goes out to the Zerda Family.

Today Friday 2-23-06
Danny Weiner (San Antonio, TX )
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February 24, 2006
Dear Bob & Kathy
We were so saddened to hear the news about Jimmy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Gary & Beth Evins (Severna park, MD )
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February 23, 2006
Dear Zerda Family,
We just wanted to send along our deepest sympathy on the passing of Jimmy. We pray that God will let His light shine upon him. May your faith comfort you during this most difficult time.

John & Linda Knoebel (Sugar Land, TX )
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February 22, 2006
Dear Zerda family,
I had the pleasure of meeting Jimmy a few years ago out in LA. Over the course of a 10 day period, I got to know Jimmy. His constant smile and uplifting attitude was impossible to miss. He was an inspiration to us all. I am so saddened to hear about his passing and send all my thoughts and prayers to your family. He will be greatly missed.

Colby Crain (Austin, TX )
labellavita1127@aol.com
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February 22, 2006
I was saddened to hear of your loss. I will be praying for you and your family.

Lisa Britt (Houston, TX )
lisa.britt@hp.com
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February 22, 2006
My first and only meeting with Jimmy was at one of Kristy Martin's classes. I was impressed with his knowledge and easy manner. I'm a mother of three sons and can't imagine the loss of any of my sons. My heart goes out you and yours. Jimmy made an impression on me that day and I'll always remember him and his smile. Sincerely, Maxine Greco

Maxine Greco (San Antonio, TX )
2maxgreco@earthlink.net
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February 22, 2006
Kathy,
My heart is breaking for you and your family. Please know that I am sending my love and my prayers to you.

Nanette Gowan (Spring, TX )
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February 22, 2006
Jimmy is the kind of person you never forget. His inner light was so bright that those around him had no choice but to be touched and forever changed by being in his presence. This is a great loss for those who love him and have had the honor and pleasure of being able to call him a friend. My hope is that his light, his spirit, and his love will live on in the hearts of those who care about him.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

Melissa Ruggles Long (Sugar Land, TX )
aspenrayne@hotmail.com
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February 22, 2006
Jimmy - I was so happy you were able to come to the Press Launch for Shades of Life more recently, it was a great friendship thing for you to do. And that we were able to speak afterwards, with your extremely insightful and helpful comments about my character. You were always such a delight to see - your gifts and talents will live on in the lives of many. May your Spirit now be a very real presence for those closest to you, bringing comfort, reassurance and ongoing inspiration.

With fond memories,
Catherine Crowley (San Antonio, TX )
cath-tx@texas.net
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February 22, 2006
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Theresa & Bill Barnes (Houston, TX )
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February 22, 2006
To the Parents and Family of Jimmy Z.,
I met Jimmy through my 10 yr old son's acting endeavors. Almost immediately, my son was drawn to Jimmy. While Jimmy was extremely talented, he was very modest among and supportive of other actors. As a mother, I was thrilled that my son chose him as a role model. Jimmy took the time and made an effort to help my son believe in himself, and graciously and kindly showered him with encouragement. It meant the world to my son. Jimmy, you are more than a talented actor, more than a great mentor/coach--you are a wonderful being and we are blessed to have known you. I am forever grateful for the compassion you showed my son.

Katherine Vitela (Fair Oaks Ranch, TX )
attykmv@sbcglobal.net
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February 22, 2006
Jimmy,
I only met you a few times, but you were always all around me. Both with friends that knew you and spoke so highly of you, and pictures of you everywhere. I grew to admire you. The first time I met you, I felt you were different than other actors...than other people, but I couldn't figure out how. I've recently learned that the connection I felt with you was a spiritual connection. Different. There aren't many people like us, Jimmy. God made a few of us and spread us out so that the world could experience what unconditional love feels like. From words that have been spoken about you, I know now that you were one of them. One of His earthbound angels. Truly inspiring. I will continue loving.

For the family and friends:
"Don't cry for me when I'm gone, my dear,
I'll be okay. I'll be alright.
Don't cry for me when I'm gone,
Even though I'll be out of sight.
Don't mourn for me when I'm gone, my dear.
God has called me home.
Don't mourn for me when I'm gone.
I have finished. My life on earth is done.
Don't miss me when I'm gone, my dear.
You know I'd never leave.
Don't miss me when I'm gone.
In your heart I'll always be.
Don't feel empty when I'm gone, my dear.
You know it wasn't me that made you complete.
Don't feel empty when I'm gone,
With God I cannot compete.
Don't be sad for now I'm gone, my dear.
My life was amazing and great.
Don't be sad for now I'm gone.
A beautiful person He did create.
Just be happy for now I'm gone.
I'm with my Creator, my dear.
Just be happy for now I'm gone,
And I'll see you when you get here."

It's not 'goodbye.' It's 'I'll see you later.' Christians never say 'goodbye.'
God bless you, friend.

Anonymous (San Antonio, TX )
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February 22, 2006
Kathy & Family,
My prayers are with you at your time of need. I pary that God may comfort you and that you may find peace. Offering all my love - Lauren.

Lauren Domingue (Houston, TX )
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February 21, 2006
Jimmy was always excited to be in a room with actors. He fed off the energy created by a scene that was just wide open. I had the pleasure of working with him in some of his classes and we've taken classes together, always pushing beyond boundaries and seeing what is out there. What a gift to give to his fellow actors and he never even knew he was doing it. His examples, work ethics, and professionalism of course will be missed. He will be missed. May the acting God's bless you, for they have blessed us. See you on the other side.

Mark Daratt (San Antonio, TX )
mdaratt@hotmail.com
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February 21, 2006
Kathy & Family,
This news absolutely breaks my heart. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time.

Stephanie Kyger (Amosson) (Houston, TX )
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February 21, 2006
Jimmy was the kind of person that lit up every room he walked into. He would always make me laugh at the right times. He will hold a special place in my heart always. Angela and David and Family...my prayers are with you always. Kelley Matulich (Arencibia)

Kelley Matulich (Arencibia) (Lubbock, TX )
kteach82@cox.net
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February 21, 2006
Jimmy was one of my friends for years. We fell out of touch in the past year and a half, to my regret. I can't begin to say how much I am going to miss him.

Eric Campbell (Los Angeles/San Antonio, CA )
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February 21, 2006
Jimmy was an amazing person who touched my life in ways that no one has. He was an inspiration, a very special friend, a constant laugh, and a shoulder to lean on. My life is forever changed now that Jimmy is gone. I send an overwhelming amount of love and prayers to his family and friends. He will be truly missed.

Stephanie Waninger-Mathis (West Hollywood, CA )
stephanie2424@hotmail.com
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February 21, 2006
Kathy and family,
I was saddened to hear of your loss. I only met Jimmy once it was in passing. If he was anything like you then he was a wonderfully kind and talented young man. I will be praying for you and your family.

God Bless,
Walter
Walter Hiegel (Houston, TX )
walter.hiegel@hp.com
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February 21, 2006
Hearing of Jimmy's passing made me so sad. What an amazing young man he was. So ready to laugh, yet, so ready to listen. Really listen.
I'm so happy that I had the priveldge of knowing that great, big smile of yours, Jimmy. The world will miss you.

Rest in peace.
Stacy
Stacy Kesten (Sherman Oaks, CA )
skesten11@yahoo.com
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February 21, 2006
Bob & Kathy,
Matthew and I still talk of Jimmy saving us miles on foot carrying heavy packs by observing the sun setting in west. What a Philmont trek, 708E - 1996! Our hearts are sad. We lift up Jimmy, you and your family in our prayers.

Rivanna & Wayne Crew (Austin, TX )
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February 21, 2006
This is perhaps the saddest news I've ever heard. I never had the privilege of meeting Jim, but I felt I got to know him (and Angela and David) through the updates Team B4 would ask Kathy for when we should have been studying. Kathy probably doesn't even realize this, but I envied and lived vicariously through Jim. I so admired his determination and confidence. I would never have the guts to go to Hollywood to try and break into the entertainment business, but my impression is that Jimmy did not hesitate. And Kathy would just beam when she talked about Jimmy. I do not know why this happened, but I do know that Jimmy was and is truly and deeply loved by his family. Kathy, my thoughts and Jennifer's are with you, Bob, Angela, David, and Jimmy.

Steve Neill (Kingwood, TX )
steve.neill@shell.com
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February 21, 2006
Jimmy was truly unique. He was someone Hollie looked up to and we will forever hold his smile in our hearts forever.

Hollie and Donna Townson (Burleson, TX )
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February 21, 2006
Jimmy was such a Great Guy. I hung out w/ him a few times and there was not one bad moment shared..he was so awsome..Great actor. He will be missed.

Wendie Maples (San Antonio, TX )
Softballripper9@aol.com
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February 21, 2006
My thoughts and prayers go out to Jimmy and his family. God be with you. He was a privilege to be around and work with. He will be missed.

Doug Murphy (Universal City, CA )
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February 21, 2006
I had met Jimmy only a couple of times but enjoyed his company even for those few minutes. Your family has my thoughts and prayers during this hard time. God bless.

Jon Gillespie (San Antonio, TX )
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February 21, 2006
Jimmy,
Thanks for all of the fun times, laughter and kindness that you have always given to everyone. Your antics and charm will be missed, but always remembered. We all love you very much and hope that your journey in your new life will be everything that you want.

Stephanie Andrews (Los Angeles, CA )
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February 21, 2006
Kathy & Bob,
We are very sorry to hear about your family tragedy. Our prayers go out to Jimmy and to your family. God Bless!

Louis & Thuy Nguyen (Katy, TX )
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February 21, 2006
Kathy and Family,
I just cannot comprehend what it would be like to lose one of my children. My heart and prayers are with you during this sad time. May God bless and be with each one of you and Jimmy.

Dorothy Barrera (Pearland, TX )
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February 21, 2006
I was greatly saddened by the news of Jimmy’s passing. Although it has been years since I have seen him, he has always remained in my thoughts. He was someone that once you met him, you could never forget him. I am so glad that I was blessed enough to know him. My prayers are with his family and friends. I will truly miss you Jimmy.

Theresa O'Brien (Chicago, IL )
theresaobrien@hotmail.com
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February 21, 2006
Jimmy-
You will always remain one of the nicest guys I have ever met. I'm sorry we lost touch and that it was only until now that we crossed paths again. It is truly my loss. Love you man.

Nick Drago
Nick Drago (North Hollywood, CA )
dragof4@hotmail.com
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February 21, 2006
The Zerda's
Jimmy was both a friend and mentor through my years at Strake and Prince of Peace. I will always remember Jimmy for his light-heartedness and casual, but sincere, approach to life. My heart goes out to Jimmy's family, rest assured you will remain in my prayers.

Greg Carey
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February 21, 2006
Dear Zerda Family,
My prayers go out to Jimmy and to you. It hit me pretty hard to hear about Jimmy's passing. I will always remember Jimmy when I think of my first years of Scouting. I looked up to him and I learned a lot from him. Know that his joy and liveliness lives on in those whose lives he touched. God Bless you guys

Geoff Tipley (Bryan, TX )
gtipley@tamu.edu
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February 20, 2006
Kathy and Bob --
Pamela and I were VERY SORRY to hear of your tragedy. Unfortunately we had not yet had the chance to meet and get to know Jimmy. I am sure we are the losers for that. I only hope there is something that we can do to help you in this difficult time. You are in our prayers as is Jimmy.

Michael & Pamela Massey (Houston, TX )
mjmassey@uh.edu
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February 20, 2006
Jimmy was a good role model, a lot of people looked up to him. We will miss him. Thank you.

Ty Crum (Cypress, TX )
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February 20, 2006
Kathy and Bob,
We are saddend by the news and will be praying for you.

Jean and Mike Smith (Wheaton, IL )
mpsjmls@hotmail.com
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February 20, 2006
Jimmy was wonderful light to be around. He always wore a smile and made several of my days brighter. He shared his knowledge and insight with his fellow actors and for that we are very thankful. He will be missed dearly but never forgotten.

Fred Parker (San Antonio, TX )
fparker@ev1.net
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February 20, 2006
Jimmy you were a great friend and one hell of a guy.... back in the days when we had our starbucks.

Jeremy Estrada (Houston, TX )
jeremy.estrada@gmail.com
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February 20, 2006
David, Angela, Mr. and Mrs. Zerda,
Jimmy was an amazing person and it was an honor to know him. I haven't seen him in a couple of years, but I still remember his beaming smile and sparkling eyes. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Travis Jarrell (Lubbock, TX )
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February 20, 2006
Jimmy, I will miss you dearly. Your smile warmed my heart and your talent amazed me.
You are in my heart, thoughts, and prayers.

Leah Olive-Young (Chicago, IL )
redwind726@excite.com
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February 20, 2006
Jimmy and I met 6 years ago through Calliope and really went through it all together. He was my source of support and encouragement while I lived in LA. He was such a unique and lively soul that I will always think of him and smile. It was hard to look at Jimmy and NOT smile. I miss him so much.

Bethany Feinstein (San Antonio, TX )
BethanyFeinstein@yahoo.com
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February 20, 2006
For anyone who doesn't yet know, and is interested, we will hold a casual rememberance service on Wed, Feb 22 from 7pm until they kick us out at St Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in Spring, TX and a funeral the following morning at 10:30am at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Houston (near Tomball). We appreciate all your love and support. We are working on a website for Jimmy at www.saintjimmyz.com Please feel free to contact us in any way.

Dave Zerda (Houston, TX )
dfzerda@yahoo.com
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February 20, 2006
Jimmy, You will never know how much joy you brought to my New Year. The friends you brought was a testament to how great of a person you are even if you could not believe it yourself. Last year was a terrible year for me but you helped me bring in the New Year with hope and joy.
Rest in peace.
My heart goes out to Angela and the Zerda family. My thoughts are with you.

Michael Torkildsen
Michael (Austin, TX )
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February 20, 2006
I was caught by suprise by the sorrowful news of Jimmy's death. I always that he would live long to become famous. He once told me that he would remember me as one of the "little people" when he became famous. He was always very witty and unwillingly, but inevitably, the center of attention. He was a great friend and parnter in crime. He will always be remebered. With much love, Mac.

Mac Jarrell (Denton, TX )
ttumastermind@hotmail.com
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February 20, 2006
Jimmy was my first real friend I made when I move to California in 2002. He would always make me laugh and smile. He would always light up a room. My life is better for having known him. I will miss him very much.

Christopher Maxwell (Venice, CA )
cjmmaxwell@yahoo.com
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February 20, 2006
Jimmy was the man with the plan. He was a caring individual who always knew how to make me laugh. Jimmy was a good friend and he will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

Megan Arnold (Sugar Land, TX )
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February 19, 2006
Zerdas,
Jimmy was a great guy and will always be loved and never fogotten. My heart and prayers are with you and your family. His laughter and loved will be greatly missed by this world.

Craig Pickett (College Station, TX )
captrack@yahoo.com
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February 19, 2006
Bob and Kathy,
Words cannot express our family's shock and pain at the loss of Jimmy. He was a wonderful role model, inspiring my sons in both Scouts and at church. We have many fond memories of campouts, and we remember his outstanding leadership of the Prince of Peace high school youth group.
Our prayers are with your family. Please let us know if we can be of any help. Jimmy will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

Roger Tipley (Houston, TX )
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February 19, 2006
I am so saddened by Jimmy's passing. He was a great friend and such an integral person. I will keep the memory of Saint Jimmy Z with me for the rest of my life. He will be missed more than words can express.

Kristy Martin (San Antonio, TX )
kmtalent@sbcglobal.net
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February 19, 2006
Jimmy was a dear friend to everyone in our family. He was a truly special and caring person that we grew to love and admire. His memory will always be in our hearts and his family will be in our prayers.

Frank, Ann, Travis, and Jen Matthews (Austin, TX )
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February 19, 2006
Jimmy was a great guy, I am so thankful that he was in my life. He will truly be missed.

Crystal Edwards (Los Angeles, CA )
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February 19, 2006
Kathy and Bob,
My wife Bonnie and I are saddened by your loss.

Peter Palka (Houston, TX )