James Russell Zeutzius

James Russell Zeutzius

Born June 25, 1943 in Muskogee, Oklahoma and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Yuma, Arizona and Chula Vista, California. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Terri; his sons Todd and Christopher; six wonderful grandchildren; and three loving cherished sisters.

Jim married his love, Terri Ann Gibson, in 1965 in Bonita, California. Soon after, Jim found himself in the Vietnam Conflict (1966-1968). He was an expert rifle marksman with medals including the Purple Heart, from his Marine Corps days. In later years, he became a 100% disabled veteran due to Agent Orange. The couple moved to Oregon in 1971 on a snowy December day.

Jim retired after working 27 years with the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, then he began work at Henderson Line-up. Jim liked to problem solve and was a part of their team who developed the Super Steer product for motorhomes. During this time Jim and his hunting buddies ventured to eastern Oregon in search of elk and to tell tall tales around the camp fire at night.

He created ‘Just Fix It’ to work on various home repairs and remodeling. He was a member of the Rogue Steelheaders and Josephine County Sportsman Park where he enjoyed association with others who shared his love for fishing and shooting. As fully retired RV owners, Jim & Terri delighted to travel and camp the breathtaking wilderness of Oregon, Idaho and Montana, and making eight trips to the rugged terrains of Alaska.

He loved remodeling and selling houses in Grants Pass. He flipped one in the days when you could buy a home for only $24K. Hard work never phased him on his 26-acre Shan Creek Farm or when he helped build the Shan Creek Church with his sons. He could fix, build, or create anything in the automotive field to craftsmanship as well. Sadly, Jim was exposed to Agent Orange in his military days and acquired Dementia Disease. Recently it progressed to where he no longer pursued travel or building projects.

During this time, Jim liked to meet with his buddies every morning at McDonald’s for breakfast to chat and exchange ideas. He rarely missed it! A favorite place he often visited was Howard Prairie Lake to set up camp, fish from his boat and just experience the peacefulness of being on the water.

Jim, we will miss your skills and talents, and the deep love you had for family. The world was made better with you in it.

His resting place is at Eagle Point National Cemetery.

A celebration of life is planned for October.