James "Buzz" Zakrajsek age 69 of Manistee, Michigan died Sunday afternoon, November 5, 2017 at his home, unexpectedly.

He was born on February 7, 1948 in Cadillac, Michigan son of Dora (Porter) Zakrajsek and the late Edward Zakrajsek. Jim was a graduate of Cadillac High School with the Class of 1966. He received his Associates Degree in 1968 from Lake Superior State University. He joined the United States Navy in 1969 and served during the Vietnam War until June 30, 1974 where he served 2 years on a destroyer.

James married Dawn Cooley on October 12, 1968 in Cadillac, Michigan. They moved to Manistee in 1974 where Jim was employed at the Morton Salt Company up until the time of his kidney transplant. He could build or repair anything, and enjoyed helping people with planning their projects.

Jim is survived by his wife, Dawn Zakrajsek of Manistee, his son, Randy Zakrajsek of Manistee, three daughters, Marla Wilson of Interlochen, MI, Molly Fisher of Kalamazoo, MI, and Misty Zakrajsek of St. Mary's, Ohio, three grandchildren, Bodie, Maya and Avery, three sisters and one brother in-law, Linda Jean and Mike Ball of Bettendorf, Iowa, June Corner of Cadillac, MI, and Chris Hilts of Traverse City, MI. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive him.

Jim was preceded in death by his father Edward Zakrajsek and by his niece Linda Ball.

Funeral services will be held Friday, November 10, 2017 at 12:00 Noon at the Herbert Funeral Home in Manistee Burial will follow at the Stronach Township Cemetery, where graveside military honors will be given by the members of the Manistee County United Veterans Council Ritual Squad.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and on Friday morning one hour prior to Jim's funeral service at noon.

A memorial will be established in Jim's name for the American Diabetes Association. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.