James Edward Zeilmann was born in St. Louis, Missouri on April 19, 1940. He died peacefully in Springfield, Missouri on April 24, 2021.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Helen (Layton) Zeilmann, his parents Sidney and Melba (Spaunhorst) Zeilmann, and son Wayne Smith.  Jim is survived by his sister Judy Niewoehner (married to Al Niewoehner), daughters Carla Zeilmann (married to Tom Rudnick) and Charlotte Budde (married to Gene Budde), daughter-in-law Pam Cofoid (married to Paul Cofoid).  He also leaves behind six grandchildren, Tina Budde Fleckenstein (married to Jamey Fleckenstein), Scott Budde (married to Kristina Budde), Beau Smith (married to Molly Smith), Stephanie Gaines (married to Gil Gaines), Wayne Rudnick, and Grant Rudnick; seven great-granddaughters, Macey, Kassidy, and Kennedy Budde, Jazmin, Courtney, and Myia Smith, and Haley Fleckenstein; and a great-great-granddaughter, Jaye Smith.  Jim also leaves behind nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends and neighbors.  He loved his family and friends more than anything else.

Jim graduated from Parkview High School in Springfield, Missouri, attended Washington University in St. Louis, then served his country in the Army, mainly stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas.  He retired after thirty-five years of working at Frisco, Burlington Northern, and BNSF railroads.  He spent many years of his retirement serving the BNSF retiree association.  He was a member of the Porsche Club of America and the Elks Lodge.  He loved to work in his yard, and it was the envy of the neighborhood.  He was always willing to help a neighbor or a friend.  He loved to fish in Minnesota in the summer and watch the sun set over the gulf in Florida in the winter.  He took pleasure in driving his Porsche and listening to country music from the 50s and 60s.  He will be missed by many.

Per Jim's request, there will be no funeral.  Donations can be sent to the American Stroke Association ( www.stroke.org ).