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James Zellerbach Obituary
James David Zellerbach, Jr., 93, passed away at his residence on Monday, May 16, 2011, in Brownsville, Texas. He was born in San Francisco on Dec. 19, 1917.
James served his country as a decorated World War II bomber pilot. He settled in Brownsville in 1966. He was an avid world traveler, photographer and videographer. Traveling was his greatest passion along with his wife Gloria who was his soulmate and always by his side. He was a great role model to all who knew him. At 93, he was still so full of life and claimed that the secret to his longevity was his nightly cocktails with family and friends, which he called "Whiskey Time." He was very much involved in his community but especially the Arts Program at UTB-TSC.
Mr. Zellerbach was preceded in death by his parents, James David Zellerbach and Hana Fuld Zellerbach.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Gloria Zellerbach; children, David Zellerbach (Elizabeth), Ralph Zellerbach (Leonora), Anne Zellerbach, Rocio Rueda, Paul Zellerbach (Paige) and Leslie Zellerbach Castanon (Robert); his godchild, Rosaura Schmidt (Wayo); his grandchildren, Jamie Zellerbach (Bonnie), Derek Bruce, James Zellerbach (Laura), Scott Zellerbach, Carlo Marco Zellerbach (Marissa), Heather Young (Graham), Tanya Schmidt, Lesile Castanon, Eddie Schmidt, Robin Castanon and Jordan Castanon; many great-grandchildren; his brother, Richard Zellerbach; his niece, Susan Zellerbach; and various other nieces, nephews and great friends.
Jim did not wish to have a funeral or any type of service. In his own words, "It is my wish and hope that if anyone wants to remember me then let him give a party and hoist one or even two to toast me. This will be a happy occasion to celebrate my completion of my mission on this earth, and nothing more."
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Arts Program at the University of Texas at Brownsville in memory of James David Zellerbach, Jr. Please contact Laurie Howell at (956) 882-4334.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Funeraria Del Angel Buena Vista, Cemetery and Mausoleum. 125 McDavitt Blvd., Brownsville, TX 78521. Phone (956) 541-5400. Dignity Memorial Provider.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Zellerbach
EMY Y ARTURO VAZQUEZ
May 25, 2011
LESLIE Y BOB DIOS PERMITIO ESTAR PRESENTE EN LOS MOMENTOS DIFICILES...PERO A LA VEZ EL DARLES UNA PALABRA,Y UNABRAZO EXPRESANDO NUESTRO CARINIO PARA TODOS UDS.ESPECIALMENTE A GLORIA.UN BESO ARTURO EMY Y FAM
May 21, 2011
Leslie, I will always remember your Dad coming to pick you up from school on his motorcycle and I would think to myself that you had the coolest Dad! I am deeply sorry for your loss. Debbie (Vega) Marrs
Daniel Alaniz
May 20, 2011
Leslie and Bob, my sincere condolences. Our prayers are with you and your family. He was a good man and therefore now in God's hands.
Arturo Jr. Vazquez
May 20, 2011
Leslie, seguro ya lo sabes, pero Tu Papá fue y seguira siendo un gran ser humano, espectacular fuera de serie, que tenia un corazón sencillo, siempre dispuesto a ayudar y compartir, gracias a Dios por su vida y la de Uds., te mando un beso y un abrazo apretado para Ti & Bob, y toda tu Familia. Con Cariño, Arturo Jr.
Justin,Alyssa,Nick Philpott
May 19, 2011
Jim was a dear friend. We will always miss him. This news is beyond heartbreaking. We're so sorry for the loss to your amazing family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We will never forget him.
Cris & Jane Garza
May 19, 2011
Leslie & Robert,
May God give you strength and comfort in the days ahead.
We pray for you and your family.
God Bless,
Cris & Jane Garza
Sara Sarver
May 18, 2011
An amazing man who will truly be missed by all who knew him. Sending all my love to Texas.
Doobie
May 18, 2011
So so sorry for your loss Leslie and Bob. Love you.
May 18, 2011
Linda Cantu Moller
May 18, 2011
My most heartfelt condolences to both of you. He certainly lived his life to the fullest. I know he smiling down on his Family & waiting for everyone to raise a toast him. My Love & Prayers are with you & your Family.
Lucy Gomez
May 18, 2011
Oh Robert & Leslie My sincere condolences . Sorry for your loss my prayers are with and your family.
Margo Torres
May 18, 2011
So sorry for your loss...may God give you comfort and peace during this difficult time. God Bless you and your family.
Robert Castanon
May 18, 2011
I loved him like a father and I will forever miss him dearly. Now, i have lost another piece of my life. What am I to do?
Robert Castanon
May 18, 2011
I thought he would live for ever. He was a Father to me and I loved him dearly. Now another piece of my life has been lost.
Sylvia Garza Perez
May 18, 2011
Leslie and family my condolences to each of you on the loss of your Father, Grand-father and Husband. May God provide you the comfort and may His word offer you peace. For our Father in heaven now has a another great son beside him to watch over his flock. God bless each of you. Leslie te mando un abrazo.
Sylvia Garza Perez/Brownsville
May 18, 2011
Leslie and family pleaes accept my most sincere condolences on your great loss. God bless you and all your family.
Melva Lara
Gilbert (Sonny) Cortez
May 18, 2011
My condolences to all the Zellerbach family, especially Gloria and Leslie. Jim was a great man with a big heart and I will always remember him as a live wire full of life. May God Bless all his family and all who knew Jim.
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Funeraria del Angel Buena Vista125 Mcdavitt Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78521
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