James R Zeilinger

James R. Zeilinger 54 of Gaylord passed away Saturday June 14, 2025 as a result of an ATV accident. He lived his life to the fullest; laughing, cracking jokes, making everyone feel important and included, and always had a smile on his face. James was a friend to all!

James joined this world on June 23, 1970 as the oldest son of Robert “Zeke” and Pamela (Shaw) Zeilinger. He graduated from Gaylord High School in 1988 and Alpena Community College in 1990 with a degree as an Automotive Body Technician. He was a dedicated employee of Totten’s Body Shop for 30 years.

On September 9, 1995 James married the love of his life, Sarah Anne Harkrader. From the UP to Florida, with friends, family or alone, they enjoyed over 30 years of adventures and good times. They often took their side by side riding on the weekends or spent their time at a campground.  James enjoyed grilling up something delicious, throwing bags, playing games and making everyone laugh.

He loved his yearly trip to the MIS race and was passionate about classic cars too! James spent many hours at the Gaylord Bowling Alley on leagues and sharing his talent with the youth too. He was a “serious” bowler with 5–800 series, and 8-300 games bowled which he was proud of. James was a spirited Detroit Lions fan and enjoyed attending games with his family.

Surviving is his wife, Sarah Anne Zeilinger, his beloved children Madeline (Ryan Aldrich) Zeilinger, Parker (DeLayni Brown) Zeilinger, mother Pamela Zeilinger, brothers David (Jody) Zeilinger, Mike (Jenifer) Zeilinger, sisters-in-law Mary (Randy) Spaller, Laura (Dan) Bristle, nieces and nephews Jake, Josh, Bridget, Kaitlin, Charlie, Abraham, Payton (Addie), Evan (Bhillie), Suzy, Aunts Kathy Zeilinger, Mary Ann Zeilinger, Judy Hoard, Linda Rademacher, and many dear friends including Brian and Jackie Haag, Ed and Paulette Johnson, Robert Teague and Serena Sturm. He was preceded in death by his father Robert “Zeke” Zeilinger, grandparents Charles and Edith Zeilinger, and William and Betty Shaw.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, July 11th from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Landing Zone (Gaylord Bowling Center), 1200 Gornick Ave, Gaylord. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to The Landing Zone, c/o Youth Bowling Scholarship Fund, PO BOX 1063, Gaylord, MI 49734.

In true James form, if you have a Classic Car, we'd love to see it at the Celebration of Life in his honor!

Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.