James was born Aug. 24, 1929 to John and Leonette (Althoff) Zeimet in Waukon, Iowa. He was raised in the Lansing and New Albin, Iowa areas. His mother passed away in 1934 at the age of 36. Shortly after on Dec. 7, 1938 he made his home with foster parents Edward and Josephine Kenny of New Albin. He attended elementary school at the Jefferson Co. District No. 95. After 昀nishing school he farmed in what was known as the Winnebago Valley for many years.
Jim was called into active duty in the US Army in May l954. After being discharged from the army he continued farming until May l958. He then became employed by Interstate Power Co. in Lansing, Iowa. In l968 he transferred to Albert Lea Power Co in Albert Lea, MN where he worked in the Gas and Service Departments.
In July of l969 he was married to Lola Jean Goetzinger (DeMunck) In June l993, he retired from Interstate Power after 35 years of service.
In l995 they moved to Hastings, MN to be closer to family.
For a number of years, he worked at Treasure Island Resort and Casino in the Promotions Dept. Jim always enjoyed bowling, 昀shing and hunting. Many trips were made to Canada and Lake of the Woods area.
Deer hunting was a love of his. He and his friends built a hunting cabin on his brother’s property near New Albin Iowa, so they had a place to stay when hunting.
Jim had the privilege of being able to attend and participate in the Twin Cities Honor Flight in April of 2018. His nephew Joe Zeimet arranged and accompanied him on this 昀ight. It was truly one of the great highlights for Jim in recent years.
Jim is survived by his wife Lola Jean and daughter Debra Lynne McClain of Hastings, MN; surviving sister-in-law, Nancy Zeimet of Sunrise Beach, MO; son-in-law Greg Larson of Tomah, WI; grandchildren, Amy (Wade) Brown, Danielle (Stephen) McNamara, Alyssa (Paul) Renshaw and Jeremiah Mowery (Caitlin); great-grandchildren, Wesley, Bryce, Lydia, Teagen and Evelyn; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan J. Larson; brothers, Bernard, Thomas, Clem and Adrian; sisters, Bernadette Weber, Mary McCarthy and Regina Collins.
Visitation will be 4- 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 1 at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel. Funeral Service will be 11:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2 at St. Philip’s Lutheran Church in Hastings with visitation one hour prior at the church. Interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery of Caledonia, MN. Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel is assisting the family.
