The family of Jim Zebell, 78, announces his passing, and invites all who knew him to remember him here.
The following words honor a life that mattered to many.
Jim's story began in 1944, and unfolded across the years that followed.
Jim spent his working life as ['the Milwaukee Railroad'] — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
A parent leaves not only memory, but the people they helped become.
James Alvin Zebell of Parker, SD passed away at Sanford USD Medical Center, Sioux Falls on Friday, July 7, 2023 with family by his side. Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00am Saturday, July 15, 2023 at the Parker Community Building. Visitation will be an hour prior to the service. Arrangements by Hofmeister Jones Funeral Home. Jim was born August 11, 1944 to Marvin and Denise Zebell in Sioux Falls, SD; the second of three boys. As a child, Jim loved to water ski at his family's cabin at Lake Poinsett. He participated in various sports including hockey, wrestling, and track and field. Jim graduated from Washington High School in 1963 and married his high school sweetheart Dorothy (Dot) Shierk on November 21, 1963. They had 5 children: Nikki, Demme, Delle, Jerry, and Cody. In 1964 the couple moved to Elgin, IL where Jim worked for the Milwaukee Railroad. The couple lived in Elgin for 8 years before moving back to South Dakota in 1972. They made their home in Parker on a small acreage. That's when JZ Plumbing and Heating was created. He was considered a "Jack- of- all- trades" for the variety of jobs he has done throughout the years from a heavy machine operator to a gas station attendant. He semiretired in 2012. Jim was an active member of the Parker Saddle Club for 40 years. He was also an avid supporter of track and field athletes, and for 38 years, he enjoyed lining up the kids at the start line for the Parker High School track meets. Some of his favorite things to do were fishing and hunting. There were many fishing trips to Canada. Jim loved to watch the expressions on the rookies' faces when he told them to throw back the biggest fish they had ever caught because it was too small. But back into the lake the fish would go! He also enjoyed being a guide for out of state pheasant hunters. Being with family and friends was his favorite pastime. He thoroughly enjoyed supporting his grandkids in their varying activities. Jim is survived by his wife Dot; four children Demme (Dick) Rand Parker, SD, Delle (Jeff) Thompson Parker, SD, JJ Zebell Parker, SD, Cody Zebell (Kristal) Davis, SD; nine grandchildren Haylee (Aaron) Sherard, Amie Brandt, Reeba (Tate) Sullivan, Lacey (Dylan) Hoekstra, Tyler, Zoey, Kennedy Zebell, Delanie and Quinn Zebell; great-grandchildren Hazel, Loretta and Serratelli and two brothers Doug Zebell Hammond, IN and Jeff Zebell Sioux Falls, SD. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Nikki Zebell and parents, Marvin and Denise Zebell.
