Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
James "Jim".
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for James "Jim" A. Van Zile
James Arthur Van Zile of Littleton, Colorado passed away on Saturday, Dec. 2nd 2017 following a six month illness with Melanoma cancer. He was born on April 12, 1933 to Clayton and Eloise (Bacon) Van Zile in Hornell, New York. He was in the US Army from 1953-1955 after which he married the love of his life, Gail (Henrietta), in 1959.
They lived in Rochester, NY where they began their family, welcoming two daughters and subsequently moved to Lighthouse Point, Florida in 1969.
Jim was an entrepreneur in the truest sense of the word: from owning his own car wash, to selling live Maine lobsters, he was a consummate worker! He retired as the manager of Telcon, Inc. located in south Florida in 1993. Jim and Gail retired to Tabernash, CO. in 1996 where they enjoyed skiing and hiking the beautiful mountains and their wonderful friends. In 2007, they decided to leave the mountain life behind and reside in Littleton, CO. Some of Jim’s favorite things, other than his family, were snowskiing, animals, and the ocean!
He was preceded in death by a cherished grandson, Tyler James Pilon. He is survived by his loving wife, Gail, his daughters Laureen Johnson (Jamey) of Lakeland, FL and Linda Pilon of Denver, CO. He was an incredible grandfather (aka Jimbo) to his granddaughter Taylor Johnson Hargrove (Taylor) and his grandsons Matthew Pilon(Taylor) and Logan Johnson. Also surviving are his niece Cindy Grubaugh (Rich) of Richmond, VA and his nephews Steve Van Zile (Kathy) of Hilton, NY and Dick Van Zile (Barbara) of Jupiter, FL.
A mass will be held in his memory at a later date.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations made be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN in the name of his grandson, Tyler James Pilon.
Special thanks to Porter Hospice, specifically Ashley York, RN and Mary Campbell, CNA for their very special care of Jim during the latter part of his illness.
