Jim was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the late Arthur H. Zarder Jr. and Elisabeth E. Zarder (Heimann). He moved at the age of 12 to Miami, Florida where Jim would call home until relocating to the Treasure Coast in 1974. Jim resided in Fort Pierce, Florida before settling in Port St. Lucie. Jim served in the U.S. Air Force and worked as an Air Force Mechanic. Jim owned and operated Accu-Care Landscaping for many years. In his younger days, Jim built and raced cars. He would race at Hialeah Raceway outside of Miami. Jim lived for NASCAR. He was known to fish when he was younger. His love towards animals led Jim to raise Basset Hounds. Hooter Jim enjoyed dining at Hooter's Restaurant across the United States. He enjoyed travelling and driving wherever he would visit. Jim was active in establishing St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, where he always had a role in the Christmas Pageant. His love for children gave him the nickname Mr. Z, a name that all the local children who would stop over to see him and barbecue at times knew Jim as. Jim cherished the time he was able to spend with his grandchildren. Jim lived for each and every day and lived by the term "Carpe Diem"- Seize the Day. Hank Willams Jr. summed Hooter Jim's life up by saying, "If Heaven ain't a lot like Dixie, I don’t wanna go."
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Zarder in 2018.
Survivors include his daughters, Ana Mehalyak (Jim), of Port St. Lucie and Charmane Hembree (John), of Port St. Lucie; 6 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; and siblings, Thomas H. Zarder, Phyllis Taber, and John K. Zarder.
Memorial Contributions may be made in Jim’s honor to Treasure Coast Hospice, 5000 Dunn Road Fort Pierce, Florida 34981 or to Dogs and Cats Forever, 4600 Selvitz Rd, Fort Pierce, FL 34981.
There will be a Celebration of Jim's Life with a Potluck Luncheon on August 4th from 11:30-2:30. For more information, please contact Jim's daughter, Ana at 772-812-8139.
Jim will be laid to rest with his wife, Elizabeth at Barancus National Cemetery, where he will receive Military Honors.
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