Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
James Unangst Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Unangst
Sponsored by Lisa,Jeff &girls, Bobby, Jr., Joey, Jason& Bobby Guercio.You will truly be missed, love you Zeke.
Chris Novotny
August 27, 2025
I worked for this man when he opened the restaurant.
Gordon Peck
April 15, 2018
I'm very sad to learn of Zeke's passing. I worked on the Lykes Brothers Steamship Company's 'Shore Gang' and met Zeke when he joined us on deck and we became good friends. Zeke was a great, friend, honest, hard-working and as sweet guy as you'll ever meet. James was one of my most memorable friends during my days in the Merchant Marine and on the river wharves of New Orleans.
R.I.P. old friend.
lisa guercio-arcemont
December 15, 2006
miss ya uncle zeke
Rand Mason
November 2, 2005
Dickie,
Wherever you are, I was so saddened to here the news about Zeke. My sincerest and deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Rand
Shirley and Patti Garcia
October 31, 2005
Shirley and Dickie:
We don't konw what we can possibly say! We are so saddened by Zeke's death, and have so many wonderful memories of his joyful life.
We are particularly sorry that we are so far away and were unable to be with you. You and all of your family have been in our thoughts and prayers since we heard the news.
Jane Thomassie
October 25, 2005
Dickie,
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Kim and I enjoyed at meal at Zeke's not too long ago. We even spoke with Zeke and exchanged some fond memories of Jerry, Budweiser, and the Unangst brothers. Your family is in my prayers.
Barbara Adams
October 22, 2005
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Zeke gave my son his very first job at West End Cafe.
Lisa Holden
October 22, 2005
Eric, Emery and Mirais join me in sending heartfelt condolences to Dickie and the entire family. Mrs. Unangst--you raised an incredible son--a wonderul and decent man who was truly loved by so many. We have spent many many Friday nights signing "You Don't Have to Call Me Darling", and we have so many guests who made sure their visits were over a Friday night so they could "go see Zeke". He was a humble and dear man and will be truly missed. Lisa Holden
Foggy & Debbie
October 21, 2005
Zeke, You lost is felt all the way to Chicago. Now God has the pleasure of your song & seafood gumbo. Drinks are on Uncle Benny.
Paul Eskine
October 21, 2005
SO sorry to hear about Zeke's untimely death. We go back aways when we competed against each other playing ball. You will truly be missed but not forgotten my friend.
Paul Eskine
David Renfroe
October 20, 2005
Dickie,
Im sorry about your loss.May God bless youand your family.
Your Friend,
David Renfroe
David Renfroe
October 20, 2005
Dickie,
Im sorry to hear about your loss.May God bless you and your family. Your Friend,
David Renfroe
Mickal Boudreaux
October 19, 2005
To the family of Zeke I was truly devasted when I heard that Zeke had died. My prayers are with you. He was a kind and decent man. And to the staff at Zeke's I know he loved you all. Jan-- I am so sorry for you. Love, always to his family, Mickal
SP
October 19, 2005
Zeke,
I met you thru a good friend years ago. You were always very nice to me. It was a lot of fun being in you company. You will be greatly missed.
Bobby Guercio, Sr.
October 19, 2005
My Good Friend Zeke:
I was sadden to hear of your passing, I know that you are in gods hands now. We have had a lot of good memories you and I. I can remember the first day I met you, we were at City Park playing softball against each other, you were 17 years old. After the game you came over and introduced youself to me and from then on it was like we were best of friends. I'll never forget all the good times we had on trips to the Final Four's and all the other games and lets not forget all the Super Bowl parties at you house Uptown. (WHAT GREAT TIMES)You have been a big part of my life and my families life and I will miss you.
P.S. Tell Uncle Benny Hello!!!
Your Friend Always,
Bobby Guercio, Sr.
Woody Banks
October 19, 2005
This was the passing of a true legend, a great Deke and a faithful friend. Our great memories of him will live on.
Nancy Davies Blouin
October 18, 2005
Dickie,
I was so sorry to hear about Zeke. My love to you and your family.
John Humphreys
October 18, 2005
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Unangst family and Joey "the Beard" at the loss of Zeke "the Deke". I always enjoyed the restaurant and will never forget doing the "Alley Oop" with Zeke at the Fortune House during Tulane spring break in Navarre Beach, Fl. This area has lost many things recently and now one of its best restauranteurs. May the DKE flag continue to fly high inside Zeke's. God Bless you Zeke!
BOBBY BISSANT
October 18, 2005
BROTHER ZEKE,
HOLD IT DOWN 'TILL ME AND DICKIE GET THERE.YOU'LL BE IN MY THOUGHTS & PRAYERS FOREVER.
GONNA MISS YA!
"BOBBY BEE"
Erin Murphy Cannon
October 17, 2005
I was so sorry to hear of Zeke's passing. He was so proud of his restaurant and all of his staff. Whenever I came home to New Orleans, I would meet at Zeke's to get his boiled crawfish. He will be remebered always for his singing and the friends he has made in his lifetime. A former WEC employee.
Dan Greene
October 17, 2005
Dickie -
I am shock to hear of Zeke's passing. He was one of those who should not have gone so quickly. But then again we have seen before that the good die young. Much symmathy in your hours of grief. Please take care and hope to see you again and soon
Carlos Sequeira
October 17, 2005
Dickie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Michael Murphy
October 17, 2005
When I moved to New Orleans to coach basketball at UNO, Zeke was one of the first people I was introduced to, thanks to Coach Gleason. Zeke treated me like family and always made sure I had something to eat and a beer in my hand. Additionally, he invited me to partake in numerous social outings. Whether it was a Saints game or Thanksgiving dinner, if Zeke was involved, all those in attendance had a great time. The world is a sadder place today as a result of this loss. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Unangst family; my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of mourning.
DEMETRIUS BLAKE
October 17, 2005
WE ALL WILL MISS ALL THE FUN AND EXCITEMENT THAT YOU PUT IN A LOT OF PEOPLE LIVES. R.I.P. LOVE YOU MISS YOU. LIL DEME
Warren & Laurie Doyle
October 17, 2005
Another New Orleans legend. We will remember him always.
Sandi Trahan
October 17, 2005
You will be missed by many. Our heartfelt sympathy to all of Zeke's family and friends.
David and Sandi Trahan
Whitney York Lancaster
October 17, 2005
Zeke (a gentle giant)- You will be missed by so many people! Friday nights will never be the same. All the Unangsts are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, the Lancasters
Pamela Mitchell
October 17, 2005
Dear Zeke,
We will always love you- as much as you loved New Orleans, good food and good times. You are part of the heart and soul of New Orleans, leaving us fun and hilarious memories with you- from Fat Harry's , Frankie and Johnny's to West End and Zeke's!We will have a toast to you, and never forget your singing on Friday nights.THe New Orleans Ducks Unlimited Committee will forever remember your generosity in supplying menus for the our State Convention! We will think of you with each delicious bite!
Love you,
Pam Mitchell and Steve Lanier
Debbie Crowe
October 17, 2005
To Zeeke's family, he will be well missed by many. Especially his way of making people feel special. I didn't know him well but he was always cheerful and polite. I'm sure he's in heaven looking down on his crew of friends.
Lana Seymour
October 17, 2005
Words cannot express this loss...The mold was broken when Zeke came along He will be terribly terrible missed - my prayers are with your family and all your friends...
Ricky McCubbin
October 17, 2005
To the Unangst family & all Zeke's friends:
The world is now truly a sadder place without Zeke in it.
Joe D.
October 17, 2005
Hey Zeke,
I know Patty, Dickie and Joey never would have traded you in for a swimming pool... well, maybe Joey might have. My Dear Shirley, you and your beautiful family are always in my prayers, especially now. With all of our love, Joe, Amy, Elizabeth and Blair
Gregory and Jennifer Kogos
October 16, 2005
Dear the Unangst Family,
You have helped me and my family so much in the early days of Rendon Inn, and I want to express my sorrow and sadness at finding out the loss of Zeke. You are in my thoughts and prayers, as we will not be able to attend the funeral in person, but will be there in spirit.
With greatest sympathy,
The Kogos Family
Silky & Connie Powell
October 15, 2005
Silky, Maggie, Allie, Erin, & I send our deepest sympathy to all of Zeke's loved ones, dear friends, and wonderful employees. We are truly saddened by his death. Zeke will forever be in our hearts and prayers. He has been a special friend to Silky and the Powell family for many years and has been an important person in the lives of our little ones. The girls will miss their "Uncle Zeke". God Bless Zeke and all those who love him.
Peggy, Eddie and JP Sapir
October 15, 2005
Dickie and Unangst Family,
Eddie, JP and I were deeply saddened upon hearing of Zeke's untimely passing. Zeke was a wonderful New Orleanian. "Zeke's" and "West End Cafe", were the the heart and soul of Zeke. We loved to go there. It was always the best. He was happy and in his element among his patrons and friends. When he had Franky and Johnny's, he had another winner. Zeke was a gentle fun loving soul. He loved and was loved. We extend our deepest sympathy and please know that we are thinking of you at this time. We will be in Memphis and uable to attend the services. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Zeke will be missed. With Warm Regards, Peggy, Eddie and JP Sapir
Rich Abbrecht
October 15, 2005
The Abbrecht family extends its heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Unangst family and to all those persons touched by Zeke who mourn for him this day.
May God bless him and each and every one of you.
Mark Boudreaux
October 15, 2005
I remembered all the great times with Zeke at Franky and Johnney’s, marching with the Lyon‘s Club, our bowling team (don’t forget the Popeye’s chicken) even when we went to the wrestling matches at UNO, the Bar-B-Que’s at Parkway Tavern with Joe C, and of course when you would get up in front of the customers and start singing David Allen Coe and the crowd would just go crazy. Just keep “berling dem crawdads” in heaven my good friend. You will be missed.
Lisa Arcemont
October 15, 2005
I am truly shocked and saddened by the news.I will always cherish the fun and hilarious memories I have of Zeke.He was a loving and generous man.There will never be anyone else like him -he is truly a New Orleans legend.He loved this city and everyone connected to it.He will always have a special place in my heart to make me smile. And he's the only one I would allow to call me Lisa Ann, which he would always do-no matter where we saw each other.
I miss him so much already
Watch over us Uncle Zeke--
Love Always,
Lisa Ann Guercio-Arcemont
Greyson Haddad Brown
October 15, 2005
We are so sad to hear about Zeke. Going back to New Orleans to visit will now never be the same. His ready smile will always be remembered. Our condolences to you all.
Michael Bullinger
October 14, 2005
Dear Zeke:
You lived and loved life with a vigor that most people could only imagine. You gave more to the character of the city of New Orleans than she could ever return to you.You will be deeply missed by all.
Sincerely,
Mike
Mary and Greg Sonnier
October 14, 2005
What a shock! Our deepest sympathy to the entire Unangst family. Zeke (the Deke)was a great guy and will be sorely missed.
Greg and Mary Sonnier
Garry Burkhart
October 14, 2005
I was shocked to learn of Jimmy's passing while reading Tom Fitzmorris' food forum web site. Jimmy and I knew each other almost from the time each of us could walk since we lived right next to each other when we were growing up. Latter in life after I had left N.O. I still would visit him at one of the restaurants or ask about "Zeke" when I ran into Dickie or Shirley during my visits. Our carefree days in Pratt Park and his brothers' football team "The Chatam Zeyphers" will always be part of my childhood memories. Rest in peace Jimmy. My condolences to the Unangst family.
Charmaine Roussel Morel
October 14, 2005
Dickie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you - and all your family during this difficult time.
Zeke will certainly be missed.
Charmaine
Stacy Plaisance-Shipp
October 14, 2005
On behalf of all the Zeke's Restuarant employees I want to say how much we all loved that place! For many of us we spent more time there with each other and with Zeke than with our own families. It was easy to do because we believed in that place and we all know there was no place with better food, better atmosphere, or better people than at Zekes Restaurant!!!! Long live the spirit of "Zeke" and "You Never Even Called Me By My Name" No one who's ever eaten there on a Friday night will ever listen to that song and not think Of You ZEKE!!!!!!!!
Love,
Stacy Shipp
Garrett "Needlefish" Walters
October 14, 2005
Zeke was truly a person that touched so many people in such positive ways. We will never forget you my friend.
Mike
October 14, 2005
To The Family Of Zeke I will always remember Zeke saying I will never grow up He had the Heart of a giant;and the gentalness of a lamb. He will be missed and never forgotten We love you Zeke
ELAINE ROSHTO ADERHOLT
October 14, 2005
Zeke I worked with you for years at Frankie& Johnnys along with my daughters Elaine & Carol Roshto You were always a kind wonderful person to all of us.Any time I hear
New York New York I will think of you You will be missed by all of us
Nancy Gleason
October 14, 2005
Zeke and his family will be forever remembered by the Gleason family for taking such good care of our Dad, Coach Gleason--especially when Corky was not in town to watch over him. It has been nearly a year since Zeke surprised us at my Dad's funeral in Chicago and toasted him with a brew and a song as only Zeke could do. His presence was the sign of the true friendship he shared with my Dad. While the world is a sadder place today without this wonderful and generous man, his spirit remains within all of us. We will keep him and his family in our prayers and take comfort in the knowledge that the Coach and Zeke will be smiling down on us from some friendly tavern in heaven.
Jennifer Booksh
October 14, 2005
So many things will remind me of Zeke. Where to begin... as a West End Cafe employee I will remember Zeke decorating for Halloween and Christmas, Friday night singing, cold Budwiser, his walk, "Jen we need to change the flag", and his love of everything New Orleans. No one will ever come close to filling those large shoes. God bless.Jen B
Bill & Suzy Lancaster
October 14, 2005
Dickie,
Please know we are thinking of you and your family and will keep you in our prayers.
Fred Hogan
October 14, 2005
Dickie: So sorry to hear about Zeke. I know what a tremendous loss this is for your family. I'm in CA, but will be in New Orleans next week. I'll try to call. Who did your hair?
xo Fred
xo Fred
doug hubscher
October 14, 2005
A great friend, a better person. A New Orleans "icon" who will be missed by all of us.
Don Wentz
October 14, 2005
Jim "Zeke" will bw truely missed.All the great times from playing football together at JFK to the present. I luckly to have been a friend of yours. Don Wentz
Nick Ferina
October 14, 2005
As a former WEC employee I'll never forget the friday night sing-alongs...my condolences to the Unangst family.
October 14, 2005
Goodbye Dog Bone
Love,
Hambone
Maggie Candon
October 14, 2005
Dickie,
The Bolyard crew and I are in Vail. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We will pray for Zeke by name in our nightly prayers.
May God rest his soul.
Love and Prayers
Maggie
corky gleason
October 14, 2005
What a great guy. He will be missed by so many. He was a true friend to Coach Gleason my late husband and to me. I'm sure that when he entered heaven Coach ask him if he brought him a Budlight! My heart breaks for his family. My love to Shirley his Mom.
Bill Dodenhoff
October 14, 2005
Please accept my condolences oon the loss of Zeke the Deke. He will be missed by many. He was a true New Orleanian and an icon
God Bless,
THE DODE
Dionne Morreale-Parker
October 14, 2005
One of the greatest guys around - a dear dear friend -- he will greatly be missed.!!! I have fond memories of Zeke, the many fun and crazy times we had working together at Frankie and Johnny's. With all my love.. Zeke....you will be missed...
Dionne Morreale-Parker
James Carter SJ
October 14, 2005
Dickie: I am out of town doing a wedding. I will remember your brother in my Masses and prayers.
Fr Carter, SJ
Dottie Watson
October 14, 2005
Members of the Motherhouse Lay Carmelite Community send their love and prayers.
Dottie Watson, TOCarm
Director
Brenda Jerkins
October 14, 2005
Dickie, I was so shocked to hear of Zeke's death. I have nothing but good memories of him and you when I lived in NO. After everything my friends have been through in NO with the devastation of Katrina, I know this is most difficult.
I have lost track of lots of friends there as I have been in Knoxville since 1991.
You and your family will be in my prayers
Love,
Brenda
Susan & Skip Karpiuk/Balga
October 14, 2005
None of us will ever hear "You Never Even Call Me By My Name" without smiling and thinking of you with love.
Dreux Dixon
October 14, 2005
GREAT FOOD / GREAT BUSINESS / GREAT GUY
Showing 1 - 64 of 64 results
Make a Donation
in James Unangst's name
Memorial Events
for James Unangst
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Unangst's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
