James M. Zank

James Zank lived his life with a strong devotion to the principles of both hard work and a devoted faith. He realized that true joy in life comes not from material possessions, but the lifelong friends and loving family that surround you.

The year was 1920 and things were on the upswing for many in the United States. The grim visage of World War I lie in the distance, and many Americans found prosperity in the newly developed manufacturing sector. James was born in this upbeat time on May 8, 1920, to Henry and Edith (Clemens) Zank in Grand Rapids, Michigan. James was the second of four children and the only boy; he had an older sister, Delores, and two younger sisters, Dorothy and Marjorie.

For education, James attended Cedar Springs Elementary School and went through the eleventh grade of high school. Like many young men of the time, he proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After his honorable discharge, James worked a variety of jobs, some of which included working on a farm, driving a truck for Joppe's Dairy and doing factory work at Refrigeration Manufacturing and H.S. Die. James was always a hard, dedicated worker at whatever job he held.

In the early 1960s, James married Dorothy Zeinstra and they have spent the last 43 years sharing a wonderful life together. When they were wed, it not only symbolized the union of their lives but also of two families. James had three sons from a previous marriage and Dorothy had two sons also from another marriage. James enjoyed having the family together and doting on his many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He and Dorothy were members of Tallmadge Wesleyan Church, where James had been a member for over 35 years. In his earlier years, James enjoyed fishing in his leisure time, but later maintained he was happiest just being around home. All who knew James Zank will treasure his memory.

James M. Zank, age 85, of Marne, MI, passed away Tuesday, December 20, 2005. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his sons, Roy, Paul and Dennis Zank, stepsons, Terry and Allen Phiscator; many grandchildren, several great grandchildren; his sisters, Delores (Vernon) Eldred, Dorothy Zank, Marjorie (Preston, Sr.) Cole; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Mr. Zank will be held Friday, December 23, at 11 a.m. at Tallmadge Wesleyan Church, 1428 Leonard Rd. N.W., with Revs. Victor Wilson and Kurt Stevens officiating. Interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. Friends may meet the family at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. N.W., on Thursday, December 22, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory of James or sign the guestbook.