James "Jim" A Zitterkopf

James (Jim) Allan Zitterkopf passed away on April 2, 2026 in Scottsbluff, NE. Born February 1, 1956 to Albert and Wilma (Hergenrader) Zitterkopf in Scottsbluff, NE. Jim spent his childhood hunting, fishing, skiing, playing sports and working at "Sash and Door" with his father before graduating from Scottsbluff High School in 1974. He attended Nebraska Western College and was a member of the tennis team where he later married his mixed doubles partner, Janice (Swanbom) in 1978. Seeking more hunting and skiing opportunities, he first attended the University of Wyoming before transferring to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. A lifelong Husker fan, he graduated from UNL with a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance in 1978. Together, they had two children, Julie in 1984 and Jason in 1987. Jim and Janice divorced in 1994. Jim then married Jan (McMann) in 2004, embracing her two daughters Emily and Allison as his own.

After graduating from the University of Nebraska, Jim accepted a job at Scottsbluff National Bank. This would begin his 43-year career in the banking industry. He was a loyal employee, spending the next four decades working his way up to Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Platte Valley Bank. He loved his job and loved maintaining relationships with his customers. It was rare to go anywhere in the Scottsbluff community without him stopping to chat with one of his customers. He loved hearing stories of how he positively impacted them with the purchase of their home or business.

Outside of work, he loved woodworking and working in his shop, fixing vintage cars with his son Jason and attending sporting events and school activities for his kids and grandchildren. He also enjoyed coaching youth sports for the YMCA and 23 Club during the 1990's and playing in local tennis, volleyball and softball leagues in Scottsbluff. Jim was active in his church and community, serving as an Elder at Grace Chapel while sitting on numerous Boards and Commissions for the City of Scottsbluff. He also enjoyed many years of service to his community with the Scottsbluff Kiwanis Club and the Boy Scouts of America. Jim has fond memories (and some funny stories) of taking the Boy Scouts on camping trips throughout the Mountain West and Canada. He was so proud of all "his" scouts, especially when they earned their Eagle Scout Awards. He was always happiest outside, spending many hours sitting in a duck blind, fishing, hiking or camping. He also loved to go backpacking, especially in the Wind River Range and Medicine Bow National Forest.

Jim was diagnosed with multiple types of cancer in February 2026 until he was released from his pain and suffering a couple months later. Jim's love language was "Acts of Service." He loved taking care of his family, his customers at the bank, his church and his community here in Scottsbluff. When he was at the point where he could no longer care for others and he required others to care for him, the burden of needing help became too heavy for him to bear and he chose to be with Jesus. Until that point, Jim lived a life well-lived and a life well-loved by family and friends.

Survivors include his wife Jan (Miller), children Julie (Mike) Larson of Scottsbluff, Jason (Amber) Zitterkopf of Scottsbluff, Emily (Dave) Miller of Edwards, California and Allison (Trevor) Lenear of Bellevue, Nebraska, brother Ken (Pam) Zitterkopf of Scottsbluff, Brothers-in-law Max (Colleen) Miller of Scottsbluff and Ted (Deb) Miller of Scottsbluff, sister-in-law Dee (Tom) Butler of Rapid City, South Dakota, numerous nieces and nephews and nine grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, mother and father in-laws, a niece and two nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Chapel in Scottsbluff, NE on Friday April 17th at 2pm. A private family interment ceremony will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff.