Zimmy Jay Zellner

Jim Zellner, 76, a longtime resident of Wenatchee, passed away suddenly at his home on Friday April 16, 2010. As she was throughout his adult life, his loving wife Lona was by his side. Jim was born in Greenbrier, Arkansas on July 17, 1933 to Bernard and Ila (McCallum) Zellner. He spent his childhood, along with his 3 brothers and 2 sisters, working the family farm. After graduating from Greenbrier High School in 1951, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving as an ambulance driver during the Korean War. On April 4, 1959 he married his one true love, Lona Mae Reeves. After working 4 years at the local missile base, Jim and Lona, along with their 3 children left Arkansas and relocated to the Wenatchee Valley where he worked for Oxteam Orchards, WSU Tree Fruit Research Station and Burlington Northern Railroad. Jim then spent the next 26 years working at Alcoa as a materials handler, before retiring in 1993. Jim was a skilled pool player and member of the American Legion and Eagles organizations. He especially enjoyed playing dominoes with his family members when he returned for visits to Arkansas. Jim had a passion for country music and spent many Saturday evenings with friends and family watching the Grand Ole Opry. But most will remember him as an avid sports fan, especially of the Seattle Mariners. His 5 grandchildren were his pride and joy and he always looked forward to attending their sporting and school events. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Stanley Zellner. His surviving family includes his wife Lona, his daughter Trena Zellner and grandsons Jed and Jake; daughter Cindy Zellner and granddaughter Kate; son Joey (Lori) Zellner and grandchildren Cy and Olivia, all Wenatchee Valley residents; brothers Radford (Marvelle) Zellner and Bill (Judy) Zellner of Greenbrier, Arkansas; sisters Betty Stevens and Barbara (Afton) Simmons of Conway, Arkansas; as well as numerous extended family members in the Wenatchee Valley and in Arkansas. Services will be held Wed April 21, 2010 at 2pm at Telfords Chapel of the Valley and Evergreen Cemetery. A potluck gathering for family and friends immediately following will be held at the home of Joey & Lori Zellner in East Wenatchee.

Zimmy Jay Zellner

July 17, 1933 - April 16, 2010