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James Zikus Obituary
PEORIA - James John Zikus, 91, of Peoria passed away at 10:57 a.m. Wednesday, June 24, 2015, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center.
Jim was born on Feb. 5, 1924, in Peoria to the late Antone M. and Suzanna E. (Zinckavich) Zikus. He married Mary Alice Neavill on Nov. 30, 1946. She survives.
He is also survived by two daughters, Sandra (Mark) Schatsiek of Washington, Ill., and Susan (Jack) Gilles of Peoria; three grandchildren, Cori (Bryan) Long, Any Gilles and Brandon (Sarah) Schatsiek; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Julie Richart of Peoria; one niece; and two nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, two sisters and one nephew.
Jim was a 1942 graduate of Manual High School in Peoria and a World War II Navy veteran, serving in the European and Pacific Theatres and receiving a Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
He was a carpenter by trade and later became a union business agent for Carpenters Local 183, retiring in 1986.
Jim was a member of the American Legion, Shriners, and St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Peoria.
An avid fisherman and golfer, he never knew a stranger. He was loved and admired by all who knew him and a hero to his family and country.
A funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday, June 29, 2015, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Father James Pallardy will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 28, 2015, at Wright & Salmon Mortuary, with recitation of the rosary at 5:45 p.m. An additional visitation will be 30 minutes prior to the Mass at the church. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Shriner's Children's Hospital or Wounded Warriors.
Friends may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences by logging onto www.wrightandsalmon.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Zikus
William Davies
July 5, 2015
An excerpt from the Navy Hymn:
Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who biddest the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!
James J. Zikus was a proud member of the United States Navy and an honored member of American Legion Post 2.
He will always be remembered as "one of us."
For God and Country
Bill Davies
Commander Post 2
July 2, 2015
Please accept my most sincere condolences to you Mary Alice, Sandy, and your other daughter, and their families. I'm so sorry and certainly feel your pain. Gods blessings to all. I know your husband was a Special man. My Billy used to speak of him. Marge Belshaw
Diana Gibson-Quinnelly
June 28, 2015
Our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. He was a wonderful man, often a second dad for me during our high school years, and I know he will be sorely missed by all those who had the benefit of knowing him. Big hugs to you all!
Chery & Tony Condo
June 28, 2015
MaryAlice, Sue, Jack, Cori & Andy. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love from the Condo's.
Dave and Jan Gilles
June 28, 2015
We were so fortunately to have known and spent time with Jim. He had a powerful, yet humble demeanor and when asked would gladly and eloquently share his great life knowledge and experiences. It could be about Europe or the Pacific during WWII, growing up in Peoria during the depression, Carpentry practices from his generation, past Peoria businesses, fishing, golfing, almost any topic. Every event was better just knowing Jim was there. My heart was always a little happier when Jim would call and say he could come to the Barn for the day. We all loved him and will miss him very, very much.
Mike & Marie Compton
June 27, 2015
We're so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He and Mary Alice were such good friends to our family and always very special people. He will be greatly missed.
JoAnne (Krueger}Coon
June 26, 2015
I was so very sorry to see this in the paper. Jim was an amazing man in so many aspects of his life! My dad, Bud and Jim will be fishing in heaven. What a trio they were! Hugs for all of you.
Cassie and Bill Bridges
June 26, 2015
Sue, Jack, Cori, Andy and extended family, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your father/grandfather. We remember him as such a nice guy. You all have to be so proud of him and blessed that you had him for so long in your lives. Our deepest sympathy to all of you.
Love,
John and Cathi (Truitt) Steffens
June 26, 2015
So deeply sorry to learn of your family's great loss. You have our heartfelt prayers and sincere condolences. May God bless you all during this difficult time.
Jeff & Rachel Gilles
June 26, 2015
We are thinking of and praying for your family. Jim was a remarkable man and left a positive impression on many. With Love,
Kim and Marty Hart
June 26, 2015
Our hearts break for all of you. He truly was everything you so eloquently stated about him in the tribute you wrote him on Fathers Day Sue! Both he and Mary Alice have a way a making everyone around them feel special! ( you do too Sue!) My favorite memory of your father is the day I saw him at the golf course. I said how are you Jim ?With that twinkle in his eye and warm smile he responded with "Better now that I saw you! " May god bless you all and please know you are all in our prayers!
June 26, 2015
Jim was a true friend and mentor for so many at Carpenters local 183. We are very sorry for your loss and will keep your family in our prayers. Labor, Omnia, Vincit Jim. He will be missed dearly but never forgotten!
Sincerely,
The Moody family
Bob & Katie Barth
June 26, 2015
Sue, Jack and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
June 26, 2015
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Much love to the whole family.
Love,
Jim and Sue Gilles
Valorie Keith
June 25, 2015
We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our hearts and prayers. We love you. The Keith Family
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Wright & Salmon Mortuary - Peoria2416 N. North Street, Peoria, IL 61604
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