James Emil Zanarini

ZANARINI, James Emil: Age 72, of Interlochen, formerly of Westland, MI and Virginia, passed away, Monday, January 1, 2024. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Saturday, April 6, 2024 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church 600 N. Adelaide St., Fenton. Memorial contributions in James memory would be appreciated to ALS Society, ALS of MI, and Benzie County Cat Rescue. 

James, or Jim as his friends called him, was born September 6, 1951 in Wayne, MI, the son of Emil Harry and Lorraine Beverly (Stromer) Zanarini. He married Mary E. Dynak in Royal Oak on April 16, 1982. Jim graduated from Ferris State University with a B.S. in Parks & Recreation. Earlier in his career he worked at the Everglades National Park in Florida, on the National Scenic Riverway of Upper St. Croix River, Wisconsin, and finally as a State Park Manager/Conservation Officer with the Virginia State Parks for 33 years, retiring in 2018. Jim loved all nature; whether it was the forests, rivers and lakes, or the wildlife in his own backyard. He cherished his time spent fishing, kayaking, and biking along the trails of Virginia and Northern Michigan. He was also a lifelong fan of the Detroit Red Wings.

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary; children, Cally (Sean Topel) Zanarini, Gina (Clayton Kennedy) Zanarini, and Nicholas Zanarini; grandchildren, Clifford, and Declan; sister, Judy Fitzsimmons, and sister-in-law, Geraldine Myers, and various nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents. Online tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.