James “Jim” Zielinski, 74, of Mount Pleasant, died Saturday, May 25, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. 
Jim was born March 22, 1950, in Canton, Illinois, the son of Walter D. and Helen J. (Bailey) Zielinski. He graduated from Burgan High School in 1968, and continued his education at St. Mary’s University and Illinois Community College where he earned his degree in nursing. On March 22, 1986, Jim was united in marriage to Beth Hothan in Peoria, Illinois. The couple have lived in the Mount Pleasant community for 24 years where Jim worked as a nurse in the Henry County and Jefferson County hospitals.
Jim enjoyed watching Cardinal baseball, grilling, cooking, and Legos. He was a fishing guide and appreciated the outdoors, especially cruising around in his MINI Cooper. Jim was a member of a men’s golf league and enjoyed days on the golf course. He also had a love for the Christmas season and playing Santa. The eyes of little children lit up as they sat on his lap and told Santa what they wanted for Christmas. Jim was a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus.
Jim is survived by his wife Beth; children and grandchildren Patrick Zielinski of Bettendorf, daughter Riley (Peirce) Lorenz and their daughter Elsie Mae of Winston Salem, North Carolina, Melissa (Jeff) Rybolt and their children Thomas and Sydney, of Colorado, Bryan (Krista) Beam and their children Shaylyn and Jacob of Colorado, Julia (Tom) May and their children Henry and Sylvia of Wisconsin; two siblings Janet (Bill) Roth of Morton, Illinois, and Mark (Marsha) Zielinski of Peoria, Illinois.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson George May, and cousin Pat Bailey.
Memorial Mass will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 31, 2024, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church with Fr. Jake Greiner as Celebrant. Visitation will be held 1:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 30, at Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory, where the family will be present to greet friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. A memorial fund has been established for Tunnels to Towers. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Jim and his family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com