James Thomas "Jim" Zulkosky, of Crocker, was born on March 3, 1945, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, a son of John L. and Delores (Kampa) Zulkosky, and departed this life at 1:02 a.m., Sunday, February 22, 2015, in the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Jim had attained the age of 69 years, 11 months, and 19 days.

Jim was united in marriage to Marian Elaine Underwood on May 2, 1974, at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and to this union, three children were born. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, his father, John on August 28, 1985 and his mother, Delores, on November 16, 1995.

Jim was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4956, Crocker and the National Rifle Association. He enjoyed playing pool and was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish, hunt, and go camping.

Jim entered into active federal service in the United States Army in 1965 and served until 1986, when he was honorably discharged at Fort Polk, Louisiana. During his military career, Jim served as an Engineer Equipment Repair Technician. He was awarded and entitled to wear his National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Drill Sergeant Identification Badge; Mechanic Badge; Meritorious Unit Citation; Army Achievement Medal; Good Conduct Medal (3 awards); Meritorious Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon (1); and the NCO Professional Development Ribbon. A man of excellent character, CW3 Zulkosky's honorable discharge is a testimonial of honest and faithful service to his country.

Those left to mourn the passing of Jim include: his wife, Elaine, of the home; one son, Robert Zulkosky; one daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Shannon Connell, all of Crocker; one brother Rick Zulkosky; two sisters, Sharon Henry and Linda Jones, all of the state of Minnesota; four grandchildren, Courtnie, Ashley, Kyla and Macey; two great-grandchildren, Savannah and Landen; his three beloved cats; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted for Jim at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 26, 2015, in the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Chapel, Crocker, with Minister Steve Spencer, Mt. Carney Christian Church, Falcon, Missouri officiating.

Interment with full military honors was in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri under the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Crocker. Pallbearers for Jim were Shannon Connell, Brad Connell, Brandon Connell, Pat Shoemaker, Chris Cox and Brian Smith. Honorary pallbearers were Bill Conway, Kenneth Bruce, Danny Underwood, Gary Woodrick, David Underwood, Ed Wessell, James Underwood and Charlie Connell.