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1933
James
2026
James R. Zacharias
February 23, 1933 — May 15, 2026
Candor
James R. Zacharias “Mr. Jim” born in Moscow, PA on February 23, 1933 passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Friday, May 15, 2026. His is predeceased by his loving wife, Shirley Zacharias of 59 years, his parents James & Margaret Zacharias, his in laws William & Mary Camay, his infant twins Joseph & John, his sister & brother-in-law Reta & John Krisko. He is survived by his children, Rick (Pam) Zacharias, William (Tina) Zacharias, Bonnie (Mark) Pooler, Tom Zacharias, Terry (Gina) Zacharias, Tracy Zacharias, Roy Zacharias, Chris Zacharias (Marie Mueller), Sister Marylyn Weiss, Brother-in-law & Sister-in-law William (Sharon) Camay; and blessed with 22 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild, nieces & nephews.
James served in the Korean war and was self employed most his life.
Jim was more than a racer. He was the heart of his family, the storyteller in the garage, the last one to leave the racetrack, and the man who taught generations what passion and loyalty truly looked like. For over five decades, racing wasn’t just something he did — it was the way he lived. From the roar of the engines to the friendships built in the pits, the track was where Jim felt most alive.
He began racing in 1952 and never stopped loving the sport. Even after his own driving days, he could always be found watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren carry on the family tradition. Nothing made him happier than seeing the people he loved behind the wheel. Whether it was a local dirt track on Saturday night or a NASCAR race on television, Jim’s love for racing never faded. He would gladly watch the same race twice in one day, just to relive every lap again.
But beyond the trophies, engines, and checkered flags was a man whose greatest victory was the family he built. Jim leaves behind generations of children, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever carry his spirit with them. His stories, laughter, stubbornness, wisdom, and unconditional love will echo through garages, grandstands, and family gatherings for years to come.
The family would like to thank Guthrie Hospice for the support and care in his final days.
Funeral Services for Jim will be held on Friday, May 22nd at 10 am at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 E. Main Street, Endicott. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 21st at the Allen Memorial Home from 3-7 pm.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Jim’s memory may be made to the charity of ones choice.
James served in the Korean war and was self employed most his life.
Jim was more than a racer. He was the heart of his family, the storyteller in the garage, the last one to leave the racetrack, and the man who taught generations what passion and loyalty truly looked like. For over five decades, racing wasn’t just something he did — it was the way he lived. From the roar of the engines to the friendships built in the pits, the track was where Jim felt most alive.
He began racing in 1952 and never stopped loving the sport. Even after his own driving days, he could always be found watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren carry on the family tradition. Nothing made him happier than seeing the people he loved behind the wheel. Whether it was a local dirt track on Saturday night or a NASCAR race on television, Jim’s love for racing never faded. He would gladly watch the same race twice in one day, just to relive every lap again.
But beyond the trophies, engines, and checkered flags was a man whose greatest victory was the family he built. Jim leaves behind generations of children, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever carry his spirit with them. His stories, laughter, stubbornness, wisdom, and unconditional love will echo through garages, grandstands, and family gatherings for years to come.
The family would like to thank Guthrie Hospice for the support and care in his final days.
Funeral Services for Jim will be held on Friday, May 22nd at 10 am at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 E. Main Street, Endicott. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 21st at the Allen Memorial Home from 3-7 pm.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Jim’s memory may be made to the charity of ones choice.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James R. Zacharias, please visit our flower store.
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