James A. Zelenak

January 8, 1940 - November 20, 2020

James A. Zelenak died peacefully on Friday, November 20, 2020 in Wilmington Delaware at the age of 80. Jim is survived by his wife of 61 years Barbara J. Zelenak of Bear Delaware, his son and daughter-in-law James and Denise Zelenak, as well as his grandsons, Paul Zelenak, Gray Zelenak, and Jack Zelenak. He also is survived by his brother Donald Zelenak and sisters Patricia Banyai and Maryann Kelley. Jim was born on January 8, 1940 in Pottstown Pennsylvania to Paul and Anna Zelenak. He graduated from Owen J. Roberts High School in 1957. He married Barbara Fitch, his high school sweetheart soon after. In his early years, Jim worked for Bethlehem Steel and then Firestone Tire. He finished his work career after 35 years at Occidental Chemical Company in Pottstown. Soon after retirement he and Barbara moved to Bear Delaware to be closer to their grandchildren. Jim was an exceptional athlete in high school competing in Football, Basketball and Track and Field. He was a Maxwell Club award winner in football, a State place winner in Track in addition to being a lifelong fan of Notre Dame football. He passed these abilities and knowledge on to his son and grandsons and could be found at nearly all of their games. He was also a fine carpenter and landscaper, which was always evident in his homes. A memorial service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on December 2, 2020 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Bear, DE with a reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Philly Bully Team, https://phillybullyteam.com, a Pit Bull recuse, as Jim was an avid dog lover.