James “Jim” Edward Zima, a former sports writer for the Green Bay Press-Gazette and a notable community figure, died Tuesday, Sept. 19, in Green Bay. He was 83.
Born on June 12, 1940, in Manitowoc, to the late Joseph and Rose Zima, Zima graduated in 1958 from Premontre High School. He served in the U.S. Navy until 1964.
Upon his honorable discharge, he embarked on a nearly 40-year career with the Press-Gazette, working as a reporter, columnist and copy editor from 1961 to 2000. Even after retirement, he continued to pen a bowling column for another decade.
His passion for sports extended beyond journalism into the realm of community service. He coached Little League baseball for 17 years and received both the Red Smith Award and the Ray Mihm Award. His contributions to the world of sports were further acknowledged by his induction into the Green Bay Bowling Hall of Fame.
