James F. Zeis

James F. Zeis, 90, of Greencastle, passed away surrounded by his loving family, January 25, 2017, at Putnam County Hospital. Born on October 3, 1926, in Greencastle, he was the son of James B. and Helen (Sallust) Zeis and was a graduate of Greencastle High School “Class of 1944”.

Jim (or “Sunny”, Cotton or Whitey) as he was also known, wanted to quit high school right away and join the Marines, but his mom and dad insisted he graduate first. Immediately after graduation, he did join the United States Marine Corp and served in World War II as a Private 1st Class, 5th Marine Division, Pacific Theatre. He was a life member of the VFW Post #1550, Greencastle.

Upon his return home from the Marines, he attended DePauw University. In 1947 he married Patricia Ruark. They were blessed with two daughters, Darla and Beth.

Not one to sit at a desk, he worked at Headley Hardware for 53 years, retiring in 2006 at the age of 80. He loved people and enjoyed helping them in any way he could. His family always came first, though, and he was a devoted and loving husband and father.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Evelyn Marie “Evie” Zeis, daughters, Darla Zeis, and Beth Anne Zeis; stepdaughter, Beth Ann (Gary) Goodman; daughter-in-law, Patricia Briggs; grandchildren, Dana (Harold) Dietrich, Michael Bastin, and Jake (Tami) Van Rensselaer; step-grandchildren, Heather (Steve) Maddox, Joanna Clodfelter, Cara Beth Briggs, and Clinton (Kristen) Briggs; and eight great-grandchildren. Also, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Arthur and Sarah Nevins; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, stepson, Matthew Briggs, stepdaughter, Laura Briggs; and sister, Georgia Barrett.

His favorite pastime was reminiscing and collecting the memorabilia of Greencastle’s history. He enjoyed restoring his collected items to their original condition, therefore, saving the past.

His family and friends remember him best for his “sunny” and kind disposition.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, January 30, 2017, at the Bittles and Hurt Funeral Home. Interment with military rites will follow at the Forest Hill Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sunday, January 29th at the funeral home.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family c/o www.BittlesandHurt.com