JAMES 'JIM' EDWARD ZERBST JR.

JAMES ‘JIM’ EDWARD 
ZERBST JR.
May 14, 1943–Jan. 31, 2020
James “Jim” Zerbst was born to James and Nancy Zerbst on May 14, 1943, in Newcastle, Wyo. Jim graduated from Newcastle High School and worked as a rancher, independent oil producer, and entrepreneur. 
He married Karen Smith on a frigid December day in 1972. They raised two sons, Richard and Luke, and two daughters, Amy and Rachel.
Jim had a passion for flying airplanes and loved to greet anyone driving near his ranch with a very close wave of his wings as he flew over them. He was also an avid conversationalist and never missed an opportunity to strike up a conversation, even with strangers.
The weather and the state of the economy were two of his favorite topics. Jim also enjoyed hunting big game in the mountains of Alaska and Canada.
Jim is survived by his wife, Karen; his four children, Rich, Luke, Amy and Rachel; nine grandchildren; his mother, Nancy; and his sister, Ruthie.
Services were held Feb. 3 at First Baptist Church in Newcastle, with burial the next day at Greenwood Cemetery.