James C. Zetts, 78 of 506 Bolivar Drive, passed away Saturday, November 12, 2016, surrounded by his loving family and friends, at UPMC Hamot Medical Center in Erie.
Born April 22, 1938, in Bradford, he was the youngest child of Andrew Cyril and Mary Pauline (Glander) Zetts. He was a 1957 graduate of Bradford High School.
On January 21, 1958, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served in Puerto Rico during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was honorably discharged on January 20, 1964.
On June 6, 1964, in St. Bernard Church, he married Nancy L. (Shotts) Zetts, who passed away October 10, 2010.
Jim started in 1964 at Kendall Refining Company as a general laborer. He worked for a time as a blender and filler in the Bulk Plant and later in the Carpentry Shop. He retired in 1997 as Supervisor of Carpentry, Operators, Riggers, and Insulators.
Jim enjoyed the outdoors: hunting, fishing, golfing and working in his yard. He also enjoyed picking leeks in the spring and making his famous dips for his family and friends.
He enjoyed listening to classical music; especially while working in his stained glass shop. His stained glass pieces are on display in many local churches and businesses. He enjoyed both college and pro football as well as baseball, especially the Pittsburgh Pirates. He loved Clint Eastwood movies and enjoyed watching the History Channel.
Jim was a talented carpenter; learning many of his skill while serving in the Navy. He loved working in his woodshop where he repaired furniture for friends on occasion. He was also a wonderful story teller and had a great sense of humor.
He was a member of the Quarter Century Club at Witco, Kinzua Valley Trail Association, the American Legion, the VFW, and the Eagles Club.
Surviving is one daughter-in-law, Mary Jo Zetts of Indiana; one sister, June Hegler, of Salisburg NC, three sisters-in-law, Lea Zetts of Bradford, Betty Kahle of Bradford, and Joyce Shotts of Bradford; two brothers-in-law, Bob (Aida) Shotts of Shelocta, and Wade (Linda) Shotts of Dade City, FL, and many nieces and nephews including, Mary "Peachie" Zetts Cukierski, and Stacy Shotts Williams, who selflessly cared for her uncle after he lost his wife and son.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his son Eric James Zetts who died June 26, 2010, three brothers, Cyril (Jinx) Zetts, Robert Zetts and Andrew Zetts.
Friends will be received on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 from 3-5pm & 7-9pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. 372 East Main St. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11:00am in the Church of the Ascension with Rev. Stacey Fussell, Rector, officiating. Committal services and military honors will be accorded at church.
Memorial may be made to Bradford Hospital Foundation, c/o Jack V. Shotts and Eric J. Zetts Cardiology Fund, 116 Interstate Parkway, Bradford, PA 16701.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com