James J. Zielke Jim died peacefully in the Supportive Care Unit at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, Torrington, Ct., on Saturday December 8, 2012 with his devoted wife, Marie, and best friend, Santo, at his side. Jim was born in Paris, France on October 14, 1959, to John and the late Babette (Schneider) Zielke. Jim lived in Oklahoma from his early years until he graduated from Altus High School. Jim then attended Albertus Magnus earning degrees in Business Administration and Science Management. His love for aerospace and engineering led him to get his degree in Engineering at The University of Memphis. Jim worked at Pratt & Whitney Cheshire plant for 12 years as an engineer in various departments. Jim lived life to it its fullest, he loved to sail his boat, snow and water ski, and most of all enjoyed the outdoors. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Marie; daughter, Brittany Zielke; parents, John and Jean Zielke; sister, Diane (Zielke) and husband, Tommy Jackson, nieces, Adrienne Griffin and son, Collin, Nicole Capehart and husband, Joe and children, Sara and Coy, and Alexandra Jackson; stepdaughter, Janelle (Howe) and husband, John Carroll; step-granddaughter, Jane; stepson, Brian Howe; and most of all his devoted companions, Buster and Tiffany. He was predeceased by his mother, Babette and best companion, DE-DE. A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, at Nutting-Rowe Funeral Home, 283 Torrington Road, Litchfield. Burial will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery, Goshen.