James Eugene Zemlin

Jim was born in 1937 and was mentally disabled from birth. His mother, Laura Zemlin, knew that Jim could contribute to his own life, his family, and his community as a productive, meaningful person who had value. Jim inspired his mother and a group of like-minded people to create Opportunity Workshop. Now known as Opportunity Partners, the organization works to change attitudes about disabled people.

Jim worked many jobs, including packing Christmas ornaments (which the family collects) at Hallmark. Later in his life he could be found at Richardson Nature Center doing janitorial work. Jim loved sports, especially sharing the love of baseball with his mother. Some of his favorite outings were to a St. Paul Saints Game or McDonalds for a cheeseburger meal with a Coke. He adored his family and always loved to hear what was new with his brother, niece, and nephews.

Jim’s early life was a struggle, as attitudes about people like him were different. But later in life, he thrived as a valuable and meaningful addition to his community. The challenge he accepted at birth inspired his mother and many others to change our attitudes, and so many people like Jim are now valued parts of our community. Thank you, Jim Zemlin, for carrying that challenge and for being an inspiration to the people who allowed you—and so many others like you—to be their best person.

Jim is preceded in death by his mother Laura and survived by his brother Bruce Zemlin, sister-in-law Midge, a niece, three nephews, and many grand nieces and grand nephews.

The family will hold a private interment for Jim, where he will be placed with his mother at Sunset Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Opportunity Partners in honor of Jim and Laura Zemlin.

https://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_ca21e472-0b3c-11ec-b46c-0614b206fe6b&WidgetId=3044352">Donate to Opportunity Partners