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James Zickefoose Obituary
James Furman Zickefoose, 44, passed away on June 4, 2015, in Mesa, Arizona. Jim was born in Ames, Iowa, on January 18, 1971. He graduated from Cheyenne Mountain High School in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 1989. After moving to Denver, Jim married Heather May Johnson on October 10, 1998. They lived in Denver and Jackson Hole, Wyoming, before settling in Mesa. Jim's passing was preceded by Heather's last August. He maintained the home they so loved along with Arthur, their cherished beagle. Jim worked in restaurant management for several years, opening and managing locations for Chipotle and Little Caesars before finding a home with Chick-fil-A in 2013. Jim was also an avid sports enthusiast, and he was loyal to the Colorado Rockies and Denver Broncos no matter where he lived. He loved travel, hiking, camping, and golf. Even on the most blistering of summer afternoons, he could often be found on the links at Augusta Ranch, near his home. Jim will be remembered as a devoted husband; a kind, compassionate, and extremely funny son, brother, uncle, and friend; and an exceptional manager. In addition to his wife, Heather, Jim was preceded in passing by his father, Richard Zickefoose, and his niece, Averi Zickefoose. Jim is survived by his mother, Gretchen Zickefoose, her husband, Joseph Lovell, and four brothers: William, his wife Martina, and their daughter Willa and son Liam; Richard and his son Sam; John, his wife Laurie, and their daughters Jennifer and Kaylee; and Robert and his daughters Courtney, Brittany, and Hillary. Services will be held at Red Mountain United Methodist Church, 2936 N. Power Rd., Mesa, Arizona, on Saturday, June 27 at 11:00 a.m. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, a typed or written favorite memory of Jim be offered for inclusion in a memorial album.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Zickefoose
Donna
June 29, 2015
Still can't believe your gone.. Miss you Jim you brought so many special memories to so many who knew you.. You will be missed greatly.
Ron Breece
June 29, 2015
One of my main reasons to come visit my daughter, Misty, was to meet this wonderful man she wouldn't stop talking about. We already knew he'd meet our approval. Misty is a good judge of character. He made her extremely happy! I, unfortunately ended up in the hospital in Phoenix the day my wife & I were going to fly out. I'm sad I didn't get to meet this wonderful, warm man. My sympathies go out to ALL his family & friends. Which it sounded like he had many!! RIP Jim. You'll live on with many, many memories.
Al and Donna Covert
June 27, 2015
Condolences to Gretchen and Jim's entire family. Jim was so special to us. We were friends of Nancy, Jim's mother-in-law and Jim and Heather always included us in their invitations to Nancy. Jim and Heather made us feel so special and we shared many great times together. One of the most memorable was the Easter Dinner where we experienced an earthquake with the chandelier swaying and the pool lapping over the sides. So many more special memories of both Jim and Heather. We shall miss those times. You were both taken too soon but are together again.
Lisa and Ken Olson
June 26, 2015
Gretchen and ALL of you Z's. My heart just aches for you. Literally hurts. Jim was ( and still is ) such a good person. Prayers and thoughts your way.
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Jack Forrest
June 25, 2015
Dear Gretchen, Bill, Rick, Rob and Buzz,
Jim was such a pleasant and endearing person. I read these memorials to him and see all the lives he touched. My deep felt sympathies to all of you and all the extended Zickefoose family. From all of the Forrest family may god bless and keep you all.
Love,
Jack
Nancy Weeks
June 23, 2015
I remember the day Heather brought Jim to meet the family. The connection they had with each other showed all the love they already had for each other. That love carried them for 15 years of marriage.
Over the years there are so many fun memories of our time together that it is difficult to put them down. Every spring we always tried to beat the year before to jump in the pool, even if it was only 72 degrees. There is a picture of Jim jumping in the pool, that picture says it all!
It is hard to have lost my daughter Heather and to say goodbye to Jim her husband is just too much. They are together again in harmony and looking down at us and saying, we are happy again.
I will miss you Jim my only son-n-law; who will call me Nancy Jeanne?
My heart goes out to your mom and family, may God give them strength to understand why this happened.
Love you Jim
Your mother-n-law Nancy
June 21, 2015
You will be missed. Such a wonderful person and a great boss ever.. RIP Jim
Steph Reddersen
June 20, 2015
I didn't know Jim well, since we were 2nd cousins, but the times I was around him he was always funny. He will be missed! Our sympathies go out to Gretchen and family.
Michelle
June 19, 2015
I'm sad to say goodbye to you Jim. My heart aches as I try to come to accept the fact that you have moved on to a better place. This will take some time thank you for always being such a joy to be around.
Terry
June 19, 2015
The world lost such a wonderful and friendly person. So giving and caring for everyone around you. My family and I still can not believe that your gone. Fly and be free Jim RIP
Jen
June 19, 2015
We never met but I've heard so many wonderful things about you through a very good friend of mine . Prayers for everyone around you and your family and hugs to misty and her girls through this difficult time. RIP
Laurie Milosh
June 19, 2015
Rob...sorry to hear about your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Molly Meyer
June 18, 2015
To my Z family: words, thoughts, and hugs all seem like such understatements. My prayers and love are with you all.
Sara harnagel
June 18, 2015
I met him through my Bestfriend her mom and Jim were great friends. He was always so uplifting and funny. I remember going to schnepf farms with him Robbie and her mom. I had an amazing experience and he was a welcoming and lovely person. He will always be in our hearts and we will always remember the good things about him. He was one of the good people in this world and unfortunately life had a different path for him. We will never forget him. Rest in peace.
Jesseca Johnson
June 18, 2015
sending my condolences, prayer, and love to the family. I also, would like to send a big hug to my dear friend Misty and her family. I'm here for you.. Love you much!
Kristin Salada
June 18, 2015
Jim was such a nice guy in high school. I'm sad to learn of his passing and keeping all his family in my thoughts. Rest well, Jim.
Jill Wicks
June 18, 2015
I am sad to say goodbye to you Jim, but I still smile at the memories we shared. You and Heather left our lives too soon, but I am happy you can be together again. Rest in Peace.
Dan Nelson
June 17, 2015
I never got to meet you in person, but I'm glade that while you were here you made my daughter (Misty)a very happy person you will be missed.
Alexandria Hardesty
June 17, 2015
There aren't enough words to put for this amazing man, or enough space to write it all. I met him a good six years ago when he gave me my first job at Little Caesars, I was so proud to have a job and I never knew it would grow into such an amazing friendship. He later gave me another job at Chick fil a and again our friendship grew. He was more than a boss to me (best boss at that) but he was someone I can tell anything to and there would be no judgement. I'm still in awe that he passed away so suddenly. I will never be able to understand why good people are taken away from us too soon, but I do know he's up there in heaven with his thinking face on smiling and watching over us. He will forever be my guardian angel. I miss you and your smart remarks; I will miss so much about this man. He was like a father figure to me and always supported me and my dreams no matter how big or small. He knew me before I began my journey in modeling and writing books and he encouraged me to never give up <3 I will miss you and your bald head :) see you soon buddy. I love you Jim.
Linda Shillington
June 17, 2015
I'm truly at a loss for words, but please know that my heart aches for all of Jimmy' s family, Gretchen, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your boys..Love you all.Linda and Wedge
June 17, 2015
My heart goes out to Jim and the Zickefoose family. My condolences for everyone that knew this amazing guy.
June 17, 2015
My heart Aches for Jim and the Zickefoose family. I know Jim is in a better place and will be dearly missed!!! He was a GOOD man.
June 17, 2015
Words cannot describe losing such a wonderful person and a great friend. I am still in complete shock that your gone. You will never be forgotten Jim Rest In Peace
Jane Baldus
June 17, 2015
You sweet boy... Everybody loved you. And I'll never forget the time when you were young and you made me sleep in the top bunk at your house when I came to visit. Not only that, you opened up the bottom drawer and showed me where all of your toys were in case I wanted to play with them. We were quite noisy and your mom hollered up the stairs, "You kids get to sleep!" I miss you, Jimmy... Rest in peace. XOXO
Becky Furman
June 17, 2015
Cousin Jim you're gone too soon - RIP in Gods glorious beyond w your darling wife Heather.
June 17, 2015
From the moment we met I know you would forever be a great friend. You always were there when ever someone needed you. This world lost a wonderful person. RIP my dear Jim may you rest in peace. You will never be forgotten
Juanita Nielsen
June 17, 2015
It just seems that we were just there with Jim walking with him during my niece Heathers passing. We had many good talks and I always enjoyed being with them and Jim's great hospitality. Gretchen you were a tower of strength for Nancy and I. I wish I could be there for you. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers
Carrie Elsner
June 17, 2015
From the day you were born, you have been one of the sweetest persons I know! Kind and gentle disposition, a great listener, too. Whenever I hear Jeff Healy "Angel Eyes" I think of you! Love you, Jim.
June 17, 2015
Jim you will truly be missed you had such a positive energy about you . You we're very easy to get along with and very well liked by many. Such a gentle person. With a huge heart and very welcoming to everyone you crossed. my heart is brokenbut it's miles to know that you're still with us in spirit and in memory rest in peace my dear dear friend.
Carrie Elsner
June 17, 2015
From the time you were born, you were the sweetest! Friendly disposition, great listener, and I'll never forget our talks when you asked me detailed questions about girls! Rest in Peace, Dear Jim. Love you.
Denise Breece
June 17, 2015
My name is Denise. I'm Misty Nelsons mom. I met Jim when I came down from Oregon to visit Misty a few months ago. We went to lunch at Chic-fil-la. Such a charmer, with a wonderful smile. I'm so glad he was a Awesome friend to Misty. My heart goes out to his mom, Gretchen & the entire family. I am truly sorry for your loss.
June 17, 2015
My heart aches as I try to understand why such a wonderful person has left us we still have all the memories we all shared with you Jim RIP ..
June 17, 2015
What a wonderful man gone to soon..
Cristy Wallace
June 17, 2015
Jim, you will forever be in our hearts. You will be deeply missed, but my heart is happy that you and Heather have been reunited. RIP my friend, give Heather a hug from me.
Maggie Wiley
June 17, 2015
Prayers and thoughts for you family and loved ones at this time.
Jim Eddleman
June 17, 2015
Jim, you were a great golf partner and I enjoyed your updating me on all the Colorado teams when I was wintering in Arizona. I will miss you listening to me talk when we were out on the golf course!
June 17, 2015
Rick: Mark and I are so sorry to hear about your brother. Cheryl and Mark.
Robbie-Ann Hardesty
June 17, 2015
Jim was just so fun and energetic. He loved doing absolutely everything. He was easy to joke around with. He was always outgoing and upbeat and he was always going. He would be biking, hiking, playing golf, or baseball, and even soccer with me! He taught me so much. He taught me to tell the ones I love how much I love them and to do what I want. Not to let other people tell me what it is that I can and cannot do. Jim is surely missed. By the way, he's probably playing baseball right now up there in Heaven ❤
June 17, 2015
The world is a little darker now without your light to shine in it.
Jesus Hernandez
June 17, 2015
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Misty Nelson
June 17, 2015
Jim you will forever be in everyone's heart and memories. You are truly one in a million. You were always there to listen and to give advice when needed and a shoulder to lean on. The best friend anyone could ask for. Thank you for all you have done. RIP my dear friend
Jim and Pepper 1983
Chris T.
June 17, 2015
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