Published November 27, 2006 10:34 pm -

James Zesiger, 66, Ottumwa

OTTUMWA — James L. “Jim” Zesiger, 66, of Portage, Mich., went to be with the Lord on Saturday Nov. 25, 2006, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Mich. Present were Jim’s wife, Mary Lou Zesiger (formerly Davis) and both sons, Richard Zesiger of Galesburg and John Zesiger of Portage.

Jim was born on Jan. 14, 1940 in Ottumwa. Jim and his family came to the Kalamazoo area after his retirement from the United States Air Force in 1980 and following assignments in Mississippi, Alaska, Texas, Florida, North Dakota, Wyoming, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and overseas in Australia. Jim was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal. Following his retirement from the USAF, Jim was employed until his retirement in 2002 by the Department of the United States Army for Western Michigan University’s ROTC department in Kalamazoo. Jim loved and was loved by his family and many friends for his warmth, kindness and generosity. He was always proud of his Iowa roots. He attended Lakeview Baptist Church in Battle Creek and was a member of the Portage Moose Lodge #88. Jim enjoyed league bowling and following Western Michigan Bronco football and basketball teams.

Jim is survived by his wife and sons; daughters-in-law, Debbie Zesiger and Mary Zesiger; four grandchildren, Amy, Andrew, Jessie and Jimmy; his brothers and sisters, Jack (Norma) Zesiger, Jerry (Mary) Zesiger both of Ottumwa, June Ryan of Minneapolis, Donna Guest, Polly McAllister, and Barbara (Ed) Hamm all of Ottumwa; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Helen (Canny) Zesiger; and a brother, Richard Allen Zesiger.

Services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre.

Friends may meet the family from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday at the Portage Chapel.

Private family interment will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Diabetes Association. www.langelands.com.