James Wilbert Zant

Born in Peoria, IL, on December 28, 1941, Jim was the cherished son of the late Wilbert A. Zant and Mary V. (Stewart) Zant. After earning his bachelor’s degree from Bradley University, he joined the U.S. Navy’s Officer Candidate School in 1965. A Vietnam War veteran, he served as a signal officer on the USS Randolph. After his military service, Jim settled in Rhode Island with his beloved wife, the late Kathleen A. (Garabedian) Zant.

Guided by an ongoing commitment to service, Jim earned a master’s degree in teaching from Rhode Island College and went on to spend 34 years in the Johnston Public School system, many of them at Thornton School. He was known as a dedicated and compassionate educator whose care for his students extended far beyond the classroom. Jim was a lifelong learner himself and had a vast knowledge of history, geography, poetry and literature. He returned to the writings of his favorites such as Charles Dickens and the poet, Emily Dickinson, often. Jim shared a deep love of opera with his wife, and together they enjoyed many performances over the years. Jim was a fan of the New England Patriots and watched the 2026 Superbowl surrounded by family.

Jim also adored animals and nature; in his younger days, he was often seen walking the Rhode Island College campus with one of his three beloved Dalmatians. In recent years, he found peace in quiet walks and meditations in Lincoln Woods, where he would sit on a bench overlooking the water.

Jim will be remembered as a kind and gentle soul, a sentiment echoed by all who knew him, from lifelong friends to the hospice staff who cared for him in his final days. He carried a quiet spiritual grace, the kind that didn’t need to be spoken to be felt. Jim had a rare gift for truly seeing people. Even at the end of his life, he made a point to learn and remember the names of everyone he met, never missing an opportunity to express sincere appreciation for the kindness, care, and companionship he received. Jim looked for the good in others and met life with a deeply grateful heart.

Though he had no children of his own, Jim is survived by his devoted nephew and nieces: David (Lisa) Nauman, Molly (Anne) Nauman, and Colleen (Brandon) Osman. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law Deborah Garabedian and brother-in-law Thomas (Joelyn) Nauman. He was predeceased by his siblings, Thomas A. Zant and Margaret “Peggy” (Zant) Nauman, and by his brother-in-law Edward Garabedian.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his visitation on Friday, June 19, from 9:00–10:00 AM at the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence, RI. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM at St. Augustine Church, 20 Old Road, Providence, RI. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s name to the RISPCA at: https://web.charityengine.net/donateRISPCA