James D. Zink
1933 - 2011
James D. “Jim” Zink, 77, of Silverton, Ore., passed away in Silverton.
Jim was born in Boise, Idaho, during the depths of the Great Depression. He was the second child of Paul and Esther Zink. There were five children born to the family, Carol, James, Jack, Dale and Ed.
Jim’s parents and sister preceded him in death.
The family moved to Billings, and one of his recollections was entering first grade on the date Germany invaded Poland in 1939. Jim had a life-long interest in the history and events of World War II.
Later the family moved to Dillon, where Jim graduated from Beaverhead High School in 1953. He was co-captain of the championship football team for 1950-51. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army National Guard and served at Fort Knox.
In Dillon, Jim married Adele Bruce on July 31, 1955. He became “dad” to Ken and David Stahl. The family relocated to Laurel, where Jim attended college and worked at Allis-Chalmers of Billings.
Later, he was employed at the Farmer’s Union Central Exchange (Cenex) oil refinery at Laurel, and retired from there in 1995. Jim worked as an operator at Cenex and, even years after his retirement, could describe in detail each and every part of the plant. He had many friends there and was well respected.
Two daughters joined the family in Laurel, Laurie, born in 1961, and Jaime, in 1965.
Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing. He saw to it that his stepsons were trained in firearm safety at the Laurel Rod and Gun Club, and that all his children developed a love of the outdoors.
He had a keen interest in firearms, which he collected, and had his own reloading equipment. He would spend hours studying reloading manuals before loading ammo which he proudly shared with family and friends.
He was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs. After Adele’s death in 2000, he relocated to Boise, to be closer to Jaime and her family, and the “fisher kids.” He later followed them to Silverton, Ore., where he enjoyed camping, looking at the ocean, and watching track, basketball and college football.
Family members he leaves behind include brothers Jack and Dale of Dillon, and Ed of Billings; stepsons, Ken Stahl and wife Carol, Albany, Ore., and David Stahl and wife Linda, Laurel; daughters, Laurie Zink and husband Steve Fogle, Corvallis, Ore., and Jaime Fuhrman and husband Roger, Silverton, Ore.; grandchildren, Kristen Stahl, Alisa Barksdale, Jody Stahl, Adam Fogle, Aimee Zink-Fogle, Ericka Dodge, James “Jeff” Fuhrman, and Madison Fuhrman. Jim also had two great-granddaughters, Kyleigh and Keira Barksdale.
Jim’s daughter Jaime and her family were loving and active caregivers for Jim since 2001.
Jim’s life was marked by decency, honesty and caring. He was proud of his work at Cenex, devoted to his family, and lived actively and independently until just before his death.
A service will be held at the Brundage Funeral Home Saturday, July 30.
Memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity, 609 Welch St., Silverton, OR 97381.
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