James W. Zunker

James W. Zunker, 74, Athens, died Saturday July 19, 2014 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, under the care of Comfort Care and Hospice services. He was born April 16, 1940, in Wausau, son of the late Herman and Wilma (Winkert) Zunker. On June 22, 1963, he married Barbara Schwocho at Grace United Church, Wausau. She survives. He was a veteran of the US Air Force serving during the Cuban Missile Crisis and was also a member of the American Legion. Jim had been employed at the former American Can, Rothschild and retired as Service Supervisor with Ingersoll-Dresser-Rand, traveling extensively repairing nuclear and conventional power plants. From an early age, Jim played with many old time music bands. Although he was proficient playing several musical instruments, his true love was the concertina. Through the years, he volunteered his musical talents at several area nursing homes and for many fund-raising events. In the past few years, as his mobility decreased, the visits from neighbors and friends were always appreciated and served as an uplifting experience for Jim. Among his favorite things to do was playing cribbage and he was very lucky at the gamea