"Mary and Family, We were saddened to hear of your loss. Keeping you close in thoughts and prayers during this sad time. With Deepest Sympathy, Randy & Cherlyn Davis"
In loving memory of
James George Zanger
August 4, 1942 - September 11, 2022
James George "Squeak" Zanger, Sr., age 80 of Quincy passed away Sunday, September 11, 2022 at 4:44 pm in Blessing Hospital.
James was born August 4, 1942 in Quincy, Illinois, the son of Robert Zanger, Sr. and Elizabeth Venvertloh. He married Mary Jean Plummer on January 4, 1964 in St. Mary's Catholic Church, Pittsfield, Illinois. They were married for 58 years.
Jim graduated from Christian Brothers High School in 1960. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Jim and Mary were both members of St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church.
Jim was a devoted sports fan, and loved the St. Louis Cardinals. Baseball and softball were his passion and he and his family could be found on most days of the summer at Maranatha Ball Park. His home away from home. There, he played fastpitch softball and managed the Bemis Fastpitch Softball Team in the 80's. Jim was also a registered ASA Umpire for fastpitch and college ball.
He enjoyed watching all sports especially if his grandchildren were playing. Jim could be spotted sitting in his lawn chair or his truck with a big bag of snacks cheering them on loudly. He was more than a spectator. Jim's passion for sports led him to coach each of his children's baseball, softball, and basketball teams. In 2003, he was inducted into the CYO Hall of Fame for his dedication to youth sports. Later, he was a volunteer assistant coach under John Stutsman and Ralph Smith with the QU Women's Softball Program.
Jim worked most of his life as a painter. In his early years, he was a Neal Gas Company truck driver. Then, he worked for Alex H. Kemner and Sons which began his painting career. In 1980, he established Zanger Painting and continued painting until his retirement in 2009. With this business opportunity, he was able to work with his family and meet many wonderful clients who became his close friends. Jim could be found every morning at Ayerco on 12th St. enjoying his free cup of coffee and visiting with the workers and friends. He also liked going to Calvary Cemetery and collecting pecans. His competitive nature prompted him to go early before other people (and the squirrels) to get the most.
Family and friends were important to him. He loved to travel anywhere with them and especially enjoyed his trips with Jane and Ralph. He looked forward to seeing family at the many reunions over the years.
In addition to his wife, Mary, Jim is survived by: four children, Linda M. (Doug) Sperry, of Mendon, IL, James G. (Tina) Zanger, of Quincy, Barbara A. (Brad) Wargo, of West Branch, IA, and Marcia L. (Joshua) East, of Kansas City, MO; nine grandchildren, Jared (Erica) Sperry, Jordan Zanger, Tanner (Fiance Amanda Pennock) Zanger, Madison Sperry, Hunter Wargo, McKenna East, Jenna (Fiance Ryan Dietrich) Zanger, Jonathan Wargo, and Hunter East; six siblings, Robert W. (Nancy) Zanger, Jr., Lawrence H. (Donna) Zanger, Ed Zanger, Mary (Clive) Courty, Rose (Andy) Cherry, and Mike (Janice) Zanger; many nieces and nephews and his best buddy, Ocho.
James was preceded in death by his parents; his son, David "Stomp" Zanger; his brother, Donald "Donnie" Zanger, his son-in-law, Brad Wargo; his mother and father-in-law, John and Mavis Plummer; and a great nephew, Easton Zanger.
Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 16, 2022 at St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church.
Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Quincy, Illinois
Visitation: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 15, 2022 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.
Memorial donations may be made to the James Zanger Memorial Fund or the charity of your choice. Memorial Donations may be made online at https://memorials.hansenspear.com
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"Mary and all the Zanger family: It is with a heavy heart that I read the news about Jim's passing. What a great man he was for all of us. I will pray that God gives each of you the strength you need in the days ahead and that HE will fill your hearts and souls with only the great memories that you created, and shared, with Squeak during his lifetime. God Bless. Lonny"
"To the entire Zanger family our prayers are with you all at this ad time. RIP Jeff & Joanne Bergman"
"Jim became my third brother.So many memories of trips where we tested his comfort zone and got his feet so sunburned he couldn't wear shoes! We will miss his crooked smile and teasing. All our best to all his family.He was one of a kind. ."
"Such a loss of great friend that made many wonderful memories together. No better supporter of Fast Pitch Softball and Cardinal Baseball. Will be forever grateful for his friendship "