James Roger Zink left this earth to meet his Lord, family and friends that had gone on before him on December 15, 2017 in Twin Falls, Idaho after a brave and noble battle with cancer.
James was born in Ketchikan, Alaska April 1, 1947 to Albert and Grace Irene Zink. James graduated from Ketchikan High School in 1965. He met his future bride Cheryl “Charlie” Calton at the home of his daughter and son in law in Ketchikan. They were married at Bugge’s beach on April 30, 1999.
James loved to fish, hunt and camp in his backyard playground of high mountains and the ocean. He spent most of life boating in the glacial waters, climbing mountains and exploring the inlets and beachcombing miles of coastline in Southeast Alaska. He was a wealth of knowledge about the history of Alaska and was always more than happy to share that knowledge with others.
James was in the national guard right out of high school and had a keen sense of country and community. From that time, he worked on the tug boat “Harkey II” worked on” the pond” for Louisiana Pacific in Ward Cove. He worked in logging camps throughout South East Alaska and he and his family lived on the boat “LauraJoanne”. He was a skilled concrete mason and a contractor/builder, building quite a few commercial and residential structures and bridges in Ketchikan and surrounding areas. James had a reputation among friends and family for his ingenuity and his abilities to make something “skookum” out of nothing, James was as member of Community Christian Church in Twin Falls, Idaho where he attended as often as his health allowed but was always there in spirit. He made many new and loving friends through the church.
James was preceded in death by his father Albert, mother Irene and Brother Donald.
He is survived by his wife Cheryl “Charlie”
Daughters: Joanne (Doug) Dunn, Laura (Bob) Jackson
Grandchildren: Carly Dunn, James “Jaimo” Dunn and Alyssa Jackson who he had breakfast with every Sunday morning.
Brothers: Daniel (Sharon) Zink, Allen (Robin James) Zink.
sisters: Lenore (Clifford) Guthrie, Julia (Larry) Kubley and the sister in law that held a special place in his heart Robin (Donald) Zink.
Nieces and Nephews: Shannon, Christina, Dan Jr. Mindy, Carl, Hayley, Carey, Julie, Jaime and Jesse.
Step Children: Gina(Larry) Allen, Nancy( Jon Peter),Phyllis Kidwell, Chuck (Stacy) Cook,
He will be missed by everyone who truly knew him.
A memorial celebration will be held in Twin Falls, Idaho, December 20, 2017 at Parke Funeral home from 1:00 pm until 3:00. Another memorial celebration will be held in Ketchikan Alaska at a later date.
James was cremated, and his ashes will be scattered in a favorite spot in Idaho as well as in his beloved Alaska.
In Lieu of flowers the family suggests donations may be made to Community Christian Church, Box 484, Twin Falls Idaho 83303 or the Ketchikan Humane Society, 228 Martin Street, Ketchikan, Alaska 99901
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
1:00 - 3:00 pm (Mountain time)
Parkes Magic Valley Funeral Home
Visits: 16
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