James W. "Jim" Zielinski

James W. Zielinski, age 85, passed away on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at Tanglewood Trace in Mishawaka, IN.  He died peacefully in his residence with his family at his side.

Jim lived in the South Bend/Mishawaka area all his life.  He was born to Joseph and Alta (Odiorne) Zielinski, who preceded him in death.  Also preceding him in death were his brother, Eugene (Lois), his sisters, Rosemarie (George) Mesaros; Patricia (Robert) Grauel; Betty Lou (deceased as a child); brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Armand and Bernardine O’Brien; brother-in-law, Rene VanOverberghe; and a step grandson, Mathew Francis.

Jim is survived by his children, Richard (Anne-Marie) of Cicero, IN; Douglas (Margaret) of Brookline, NH; David (Hayley) of Martinez, GA; and Susan (Thomas) Gulka of Lake Oswego, OR.  He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Veronica VanOverberghe of Naperville, IL and brother-in-law, David Nagy and sister-in-law, Patricia Nagy of Brea, CA.  Surviving grandchildren are Chelsea, Madison, Justin, Ben, Rachel, Olivia, Ellie, Jessica, and Kinleigh.

Jim was married to the love of his life, Mary Margaret “Marge” Gondek for 60 years.  They were married on June 22, 1963 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in South Bend, IN.  He so loved his children and grandchildren and was so proud of all of their accomplishments.

Jim graduated from South Bend Central High School, class of 1955.  He attended Acme School of Tool and Die, where he studied drafting and tool design.  He was employed by Adams Engineering/Manufacturing Technology in their machine design department.  Jim retired after 49 years of service.

Jim coached baseball at Eastside Little League during the years his sons played.  He was a lifelong avid Notre Dame and Chicago Cubs fan.

Jim’s religion was a priority in his life.  He was a lifetime Catholic and spent much of his retirement reading and studying his faith.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic, 2310 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, IN  46615, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m. in the church.  A committal service will take place at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at Highland Cemetery, South Bend, IN.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim’s name may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church, 2310 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, IN  46615.

Kaniewski Funeral Home, South Bend, IN is handling arrangements.  Online condolences may be left at www.kaniewski.com.

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