
James Orville Zilles, 89, of Fremont, OH passed away at his home with his wife at his side on Monday, June 4, 2018. He was born April 16, 1929 in Fremont to Orville and Doris (Ridley) Zilles. He was a 1947 graduate of Fremont Ross High School.
James served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and was awarded the National Defense Service Ribbon; United Nations Service Ribbon; Korean Service Ribbon (1 Star) and Navy Occupation Service Ribbon (Asia).
James met Anna M. Wyss in 1982 and made her an honest woman on August 29, 1992 in Las Vegas, NV and she survives. He was employed over the years at A&P and Eckrich. James co-owned Zilles Market with his first wife on Ohio Avenue, Hillside Tavern, and Little Bar on the Prairie for many years and sold the establishment in 1996. James was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, the VFW and American Legion. He loved life to its fullest, he was a diehard fan of the Detroit Lions and Tigers, loved old cars and young women.
James is survived by his wife of twenty-five years, Anna M. Zilles, Fremont, OH; children, Andrea (Jay Reeves) Bender, Wellington, OH, Cindy Smith, Akron, OH and Michael (Sally) Zilles, Boston, MA; grandchildren, Brandy (Ryan) Chittester, Rocky River, OH, Jameson Smith, Akron, OH, Carmen Zilles, New York City and Adam Chagnon, Fremont, OH; great grandsons, Broderick and Zachary Chittester.
He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Richard and brother and sister-in-law, Galen and Anne (Eckhardt) Zilles.
Visitation: Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory, 425 E. State St. Fremont, OH 43420.
Service: Friday June 8, 2018, 10:00 am at funeral home with Lay Associate Minister Maureen Pump officiating.
Burial: St. Joseph Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the VFW and American Legion.
Memorials: Grace Lutheran Church, Alzheimer’s Association or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
View James’s Memorial Video
Offer Condolences for the family of James Orville Zilles

Steve Zilles and Karen Talbert
Sorry for your loss. You have our deepest sympathy.
Kelly Lentz
Anna, I am very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. You have my condolences. May your memories comfort you during this difficult time.
Sending prayers
Kelly Hickle-Lentz
Sharon Lewis
Anna and family,
My deepest sympathies and prayers for comfort.
Margaret Mcgrath
Anna,,
So sorry for you loss.
Margaret McGrath
NDC
Fr. Ernie
In the scriptures Joshua said: “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NLT) Just remember “God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 (NLT) You may have sorrow now, but you will see Jim again, and your hearts will rejoice, and you will be filled with joy as you two will sit with the Lord. God’s Love and Blessings Fr. Ernie…
Mark Menhorn family
Anna,I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a great all round guy and I have good memories of the time I’ve spent with him and the family. You have my sincere condolences. If I can help in any way , please let me know.
Valerie Drenning
Anna,
My deepest sympathy and condolences to you and the family. So sorry to hear about Jim’s passing.
Valerie Drenning
Chris C
I am deeply sorry for your family’s loss. The God of all comfort will help you to cope during this difficult time. (2 Corinthians 1:4)
Gaye Crawford
Anna,
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Gaye
Renee Williams
Anna,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Sending prayers for you and your family.
God Bless
Linda Orndorff
So sorry Anna to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a good man. May God bless you at this sad time.
Linda Orndorff
Deb Slane
Anna and Family so sorry to here about Jim sending prayers for comfort
glenn weyant
Annie we are so sorry to hear of the death of Jim Spent many hours playing euchre at the Prairie with him marilyn and glenn weyant
Denielle Rittinger
Anna,
Please accept my condolences. May your memories and experiences comfort you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Denielle
Margaret Maimone Medzie
Anna, so sorry for your loss. Know you and your family are in our prayers. May James rest in peace.
Christina Young
Annie,
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for peace, strength and healing.
Donna Parasiliti
So sorry for your loss Anna. My prayers are going out there for you .
Kay Biller
so sorry to hear about Jim we had so many good memories from the Little Bar. Lots of fun evenings. Sorry I lost track of you guys. God bless you and help you get through this difficult time.
Kathy Yuzwa
Anna and family,
So sad to hear of Jim,s passing. This time is very difficult, but you will find comfort from those around you and thinking of you and Jim. We enjoyed his and your company, to few times together, but memorable.
Prayers and thoughts.
Kathy and Dave
David Zilles
I have very fond memories of Uncle Jim growing up. I will miss him. I’m sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dave Zilles
Cathy Zaleski Ruiz
Anna Sadened to learn of Jims passing. I always liked working for him and Charlie at the bar. Beautiful photo tribute and obit. May you find comfort in memories and knowing he is at peace.
Queenie and Cyndi Johnson
Annie
We are so sorry to hear that we lost our friend and long time neighbor. Morrison St wasn’t the same without you both.
We are praying for you…..
Joanna Valentine
Dear Anna,
I pray that you will soon be free of the grief and pain and sunshine pours over you in abundance with beautiful memories of years past.
Jim’s pain is gone. Let peace and happy memories continue to give you comfort during this difficult time.
You have support, so reach out when the load gets heavy. We will be here for you.
Hugs