James C. Ziel

James C. Ziel, 80, of Rock Island, passed away on Sunday, May 29, 2022, at ProMedica Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, Moline.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, June 3, 2022, at First Evangelical Free Church, Moline. Burial will be in Rock Island National Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Moline American Legion Post 246. The family will greet guests at the luncheon at the church following the cemetery services. Memorials may be made to First Evangelical Free Church, where he was a member. Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Moline, is assisting the family.

He was born on April 1, 1942, in Moline, IL, the son of Harold and Margaret (Douglas) Ziel.

Jim loved people. He married Sharron Bedford on June 17, 1966, in Rock Island and loved her faithfully and sacrificially until death took his body. He was brother to two, father to three, grandfather to six, mentor to many, and friend to all that crossed his path, especially his neighbors. He and the family were often the last ones to leave the church building. He told people about his faith openly because he cared about them.

Jim taught people. He was a learner and solution finder, graduating from Rock Island High School and Greer Technical Institute before serving in the Air Force. His ingenuity for solving problems ranged from creative thinking and fixing anything in the house to making the best popcorn. He maintained his own business for decades before working for and retiring from Deco Tool Supply. He shared his outdoor hobbies of fishing and geocaching with family and friends, including many kids at church. He studied the Bible to share what he learned with others.

Jim led people. He served in leadership roles at his church, First Evangelical Free Church, Moline, as well as did the jobs no one else wanted to do. He told his grandkids stories. He sought to have integrity. He recognized he needed the leading of his Savior. Jim wants you to know that Jesus wants to lead you if you're ready.

Survived by: wife Sharron; children: Cathy (Hank) Vejvoda, Carrie (Chris) Walter, and David (Angie) Ziel; grandchildren: Grace, Rose, and Adeline Vejvoda, and Nate, Abbie, and Eli Walter; siblings: Bill Ziel, Janet (Dennis) Huber, and Mike (Cathy) Bedford; ten nieces and nephews; and his church family at First Evangelical Free Church.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.