James R. Zuber Sr.

We are sad to share with you that James R. Zuber, of Mesa, AZ passed away on August 7, 2025, at the age of 91. Affectionately known to many as “Jim”, “JR”, or “Zoob”- a testament to his likability and many deep relationships.

He is survived by his three children: Jim Zuber Jr., Jenny Z. O’Leary, and John Zuber; 8 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Born in Little Rock, AR in 1934 to Neill Daniel Zuber and Alice Fielder (Davidson) Zuber, his siblings were: Fielda Jane (Zuber) Curtiss, Neill Daniel “Dan” Zuber Jr., and Margaret Ann Zuber. As a young teenager Jim and his family moved to Ordway, CO, where his father worked as a railroad horticulturalist. Jim quickly created lasting friendships there, as he did wherever he went in life.

While attending the Univ. of Colorado for Interior Design, Jim met his wife Janet (Bell) Zuber, with whom they had three children: James, Jenny and John. Shortly after being married, Jim enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Japan as an Army linguist, while Janet worked as a teacher. While in Japan, their first son James was born.

After returning to Denver, CO, life took the family to Cullman, AL (including surviving a tornado) and Billings, MT, where the family spent many enjoyable years. After their kids had left home for adult lives of their own, Jim and Janet landed in Kingston, WA. Janet later moved closer to daughter Jenny and grandkids in AZ, while Jim relocated to St. Regis, MT. There, son John and wife Betsy were frequent visitors, fellow handymen/handywomen, and general fun-seekers with Jim.

After many enjoyable years in MT, Jim relocated to AZ as well, where he and Janet continued to enjoy adventures together, and Jim enjoyed many years close to his wonderful grandkids, daughter Jenny, and a welcoming O’Leary extended family. He also greatly enjoyed his visits with Jim Jr’s large Florida family and many great-grandkids. Jim especially appreciated the many thoughtful art and letters from them in recent years.

Jim leaves many great memories created with friends and family- backpacking with his brother Dan, many belly-laughs with Dan, Gail, and nieces and nephews, travels with college friends, competing in the Senior Olympics, acting in community theater, and more. Jim will be deeply missed by the many people who experienced his warmth, kindness, optimism, and joy of life. We will miss his creativity, wacky sense of humor, and his uncanny ability to dream up creative solutions to most every problem using basic materials, often with entertaining results. He will be remembered for his lifelong love of creative writing, art, music, diverse handyman skills, and creating lasting memories with friends and family.

A celebration of life will be held on Fri. Oct. 24 at 2 p.m. at Gilbert Memorial Park 2100 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85297. A small family gathering to place his remains will take place on Mon. Oct 27 at Green Mountain Cemetery in Boulder, CO.

In lieu of flowers consider donating to causes close to Jim’s heart, such as the University of Colorado (www.colorado.edu/advancement/give-cu-boulder) or another of your choice.