James J. Zelazny

James J. Zelazny, 58, of the Town of Shelby, passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2025 following a brief battle with lymphoma, a battle he fought bravely and courageously.

Born January 10, 1967 in Medina, Jim was a son of Dorothy (Orynycz) Zelazny and the late Chester M. Zelazny. He was a graduate of Medina High School, Class of 1985. A hard worker his whole life, Jim was proud to follow in his father’s footsteps on their family farm in Shelby. He was passionate about the land and was a lifelong farmer, through and through, until the very end of his life. Jim served on the Town of Shelby Republican Committee. He enjoyed vacationing with his wife Marylynn. Jim will be remembered for his great sense of humor and will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Jim was predeceased by his father, Chester in 2020; and his mother in-law, Anne Wall.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 17 years, Marylynn (Wall) Zelazny; his mother, Dorothy Zelazny; siblings, Patricia (William) Olinger, Eddie Zelazny and Lorraine (Donald) Hinson; special uncle to Jimmy (Jessica), Johnny (Kelsey), Bobby (Katie), Billy (Sarah), Clayton (Kelsi), Miranda (Tucker), Wyatt and Ian; several great-nieces and nephews; father in-law, Norman Wall; brothers in-law, Anthony Wall, David (Roxanne) Wall and Norman (Kelly) Wall; nephews, Lukus (Ashely), Brayden, Nolan, Christopher (Missy) and Michael Wall; and his beloved dog, Maxx.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, Dec. 4 from 4-8PM at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, Dec. 5 at 11AM at Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 211 Eagle St., Medina. Interment will follow in Millville Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 684, Medina, NY 14103 or to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.