James William Zaremba

Captain James William Zaremba, 71, of Catawba Island peacefully passed away on March 30, from complications associated with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia CLL. He is survived by beloved wife, Joette, of 24 years and daughters Jeanne Brian Marten, Jessica Karazsia, and Jocelyn Karazsia. Jeanne and Brian blessed Jim and Joette with four beautiful grandchildren, Owen, Marianne, Abigail, and Mitchell. He also leaves behind his brothers Steve Carol and Tom Donna Zaremba. Jim was preceded in death by his son, Robert Zaremba. He was the son of Stephen and Emma Zaremba and born in Pittsburgh, PA on April 26, 1940. Jim grew up in Ingomar, PA and attended North Catholic High School. As a child he developed a love of boats and the water. After Jim graduated from Saint Vincent College, he completed Officers Candidate School in Newport Beach, RI and joined the U.S. Navy. During his 29 years of active and reserve service, he rose to the rank of Captain and served with distinction as Commanding Officer on mind-sweeper and missile frigate missions for the Atlantic Fleet. Jim earned his masters degree from the University of Pittsburgh and had a successful sales and publishing career in Cleveland, OH. After 34 years at Penton Media, he retired as an Executive Vice President. The discipline and loyalty Captain Z learned in the Navy never left him, as his friends and family would attest. Jims will to survive leukemia was legendary. Jim will be fondly remembered for his ability to captivate his audience while sharing a good story. He took pride in business, boats, good rounds of golf, and catching a big walleye. Jim also truly relished his friendships and family. A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at St. Joseph Parish Catholic Church on April 20 at 11 a.m., 113 James Street, Marblehead, OH 43440. A reception brunch at the Catawba Island Club will follow. Gifts in Jims memory can be made to the CLL Global Research Foundation to the attention of Dr. Michael Keating, Unit 428, P.O. Box 301402, Houston, TX, 77230-1402 www.cllglobal.com.