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Obituaries / Southampton Press / 2274297

James Bernard Zaneski of Southampton Dies May 25

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James Bernard Zaneski

James Bernard Zaneski

authorStaff Writer on Jul 19, 2024

James Bernard Zaneski Sr., known by most as “Sarge” or “Jim,” passed away on May 25th, 2024 at the age of 91 in his vacation state of Hypoluxo, Florida. Born to Helen and Stanley Zaneski on May 5, 1933, he was a lifelong resident of Southampton.

On March 5, 1951, at the age of 17, Jim enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served overseas in the Korean War. During his service years, Jim earned the rank of Sergeant and was awarded the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. After 3 years of service Jim left the USMC on March 4, 1954 and started to work for his father’s roofing business with his brothers.

On February 2, 1962, Jim married his beloved wife Margaret (Peg) Mulford, and together, they raised four children: Diane Mulford (stepdaughter), Theresa (Kim) Zaneski, James (JB) Zaneski Jr. and Jacqueline (Jackie) Zaneski. Since the children were little, as a tradition, Jim and his family would go camping at the Inlet every weekend, and if they didn’t camp, they would day trip it instead. Jim was a devoted father and husband, and his family was the light of his life.

Those who knew Jim knew that he was proud of his military service and loved to share stories of his glory days as a Marine. Any shirt or hat he wore always showcased the “USMC” emblem or mentioned the Korean War. Jim would attend every Memorial Day service that was held at Agawam Park in Southampton Village fully dressed in his Marine Corp. attire. He also had multiple subscriptions that donated money to different charities involving the military or veterans. Jim and his wife Peg were very active in their community of North Sea. While Peg was a part of North Sea Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and would help at their booth during the fire departments yearly carnival, Jim would be found running the popcorn booth and did so for many years.

Jim and Peg split their time between their hometown of Southampton, New York and their vacation spot of Hypoluxo, Florida for many years. Every time Jim and Peg drove to Florida, they would always stop in Paris Island, South Carolina to visit the Marine Base. If it was up to Jim, he would have stayed in Florida year-round as he enjoyed the warm weather, weekly trips to his favorite restaurant “Sande’s” to order his western omelet with salsa and watching the boats go by from their beach front trailer.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, his daughters Kim and Diane, his brothers Stanley (Pooky), Ronald (Ronnie) and Richard (Richie) and his sisters Terry and Barbara. He is survived by his loving wife Peg, his son JB, his daughter Jackie and his four granddaughters Devin, Claire, Katherine and Jennifer.

Funeral mass is scheduled for Saturday, August 3 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Poland Church in Southampton. Burial to follow at Sacred Hearts Cemetery in Southampton.

A celebration of life will be held at the North Sea Fire Department on Noyac Road after the burial.

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