Jim Claude Zillman, born November 25, 1949, in Beloit, Wisconsin, passed away on April 17, 2026.

Jim was the son of Claude and Lois Zillman and was preceded in death by his siblings Judy, Jacqueline, and Johnnie.

He is survived by his sons, Christopher (Meegan) and Reece (Abi), whom he had with his former wife, Linda Chatsey. He later married Lisa Jenkins and embraced her children, Michael (Kelsey) Jenkins and Allison (Reed) Peterson, as his own. In retirement, Jim married his beloved Nita, with whom he shared his later years in The Villages, Florida.

Jim was a proud grandfather to eleven grandchildren: Isaiah, Justus, Augustus, Jasper, and Cora (Christopher and Meegan); Elijah and Hannah (Reece and Abi); Rylee and Addison (Allison and Reed); and William and Evelyn (Michael and Kelsey).

Jim served his country honorably in the United States Army, including service overseas in Vietnam. Following his military service, he spent much of his professional life working for Bradford Schools where he made lifelong friendships and established to himself as a mainstay in the organization.

He will be remembered as a man of deep responsibility and reliability—someone others could count on without question. He was strong, steady, and widely respected. He loved his country, took pride in his work, and valued doing things the right way.

Jim had a lifelong love for the Green Bay Packers, and one of his final wishes was to have some of his ashes spread at Lambeau Field. He found great joy in his years in The Villages, Florida, and especially cherished the life he built there.

He held a deep and abiding love for his mother, Lois, and spoke of her often with affection and reverence.

Jim’s life was marked by strength, loyalty, and a quiet consistency that shaped the lives of those around him. He will be deeply missed.