James Burton Zambeck

James Burton Zambeck, known to everyone as Jim, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Otsego Memorial Hospital in Gaylord, Michigan, at the age of 80.

Jim was born on March 24, 1946, in Taylor, Michigan, to Nicholas and Dorothy (McNiven) Zambeck. Although he had made his home in Atlanta, Michigan, for the past year, he spent more than 50 years in West Branch, Michigan where he built a life, raised his family, and became a familiar face throughout the community.

A proud graduate of Taylor Center High School's Class of 1964, Jim attended Northern Michigan University for one year before answering the call to serve his country. In June 1966, he enlisted in the United States Navy Seabees, serving honorably during the Vietnam era. Following his honorable discharge in 1968, he returned to Taylor for a short time before settling in West Branch in 1975.

After moving to West Branch, Jim began working as a mechanic at Ben Hodges Chevrolet, where his love of automobiles and talent for fixing them quickly became evident. His entrepreneurial spirit later led him to open his own used car dealership, Milds to Wilds. He eventually returned to retail automotive sales, building lasting friendships and earning the trust of his customers during his years at Team Hodges and Hart GMC.

Jim never met a stranger. He had an incredible memory for names, families, and hometown connections, and he could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. His quick wit, infectious laugh, and gift for storytelling made him the life of many gatherings. Whether you knew him for decades or had just met him, Jim had a way of making you feel like an old friend.

His passion for automobiles extended far beyond his career. Jim loved restoring and building cars, attending car shows, and spent many years as crew chief for Rosebrugh Racing, where he combined his mechanical talent with his love of racing. He also treasured the outdoors, feeding animals in his backyard, hunting, boating, or simply enjoying Northern Michigan.

Above all else, Jim loved his family. He rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his sons as they competed in youth and high school sports. He was their biggest supporter, whether standing on the sidelines, stands, or celebrating their accomplishments afterward. More than anything, he encouraged them to build lives of their own and pursue their dreams, wherever those roads would take them. In recent months, nothing brought him greater joy than becoming "Grandpa" to his cherished granddaughter, Iyla. The time he spent with his family was what he valued most.

Jim is survived by his beloved spouse, Teresa "Mary T" Schaiberger; his sons, Nicholas (Michelle) Zambeck and James W. (Ashlee) Zambeck, both of California; his cherished granddaughter, Iyla James Zambeck; his sisters, Carol Showler and Kay Roe; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Dorothy Zambeck; his brothers, Nicholas, Thomas, Joseph, and Michael; and his sister, Donna.

Jim will be remembered for his kindness, humor, generosity, unwavering loyalty, and his remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome. His legacy lives on in the stories he told, the friendships he built, and the love he shared with his family and friends.

A memorial visitation honoring Jim will be held at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch on Saturday, July 11, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. until a Celebration of Life, time of sharing, starting at 1:00 p.m. with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America in Jim's honor at https://vva.org/donate.

Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch, Michigan. www.steuernolmclaren.com