James Zieba

James L. Zieba, 78, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, April 7, 2012, at his home.

He was born June 5, 1933, in Farmington, Mo., son of Frank and Alma Cleve Zieba. He and Margaret Tarry were married July 1, 1961, in Murray, Ky.

Mr. Zieba graduated from Farmington High School in 1951, then graduated from Flat River Junior College (now Mineral Area College). He then went into the U.S. Army, serving part of his time in Korea. He graduated from the University of Missouri in 1958.

After graduation he worked for GE Credit and in 1961 worked for Gulf Oil in St. Louis. He was transferred to Cape Girardeau in 1968, working with Gulf Oil until they moved the business out of the area. He then worked for Rhodes Oil Co. before going into business for himself. He was owner of Curtis Mathis Home Entertainment Center from 1978 until retiring in 2001.

Mr. Zieba was a member of Grace United Methodist Church since 1968. He was a former member of Evening Optimist Club and a big fan of SEMO Redhawks. Later in life he enjoyed Thursday morning coffee with friends at Arby's. He was an avid water skier until the age of 70.

Survivors of the Zieba family include his wife of 50 years, Margaret; two sons and a daughter and their families, Frank (Lori), Drew, Zander Zieba of Jackson; John (Kia), Kensley, Kaitlyn Zieba of Madisonville, Ky., Diane (Spencer), Dalton, Daley and Demi Drum of Cape Girardeau; a brother, Don (Barbara) Zieba of Perryville, Mo.; a sister-in-law, Becca (Bob) Barr of Mancelona, Mich.; and several nieces and nephews.

Due to the fact that Mr. Zieba donated his body to science, a memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Grace United Methodist Church, at the corner of Broadway and Caruthers Avenue.

Visitation will follow in the church fellowship center.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace United Methodist Church or Teen Challenge.