RUSSELL — James H. “Jim” Zordel, 59, died on June 24, 2016, from a motorcycle accident while enjoying an evening ride on Pioneer Road, south of the Smokey Hill River. Born on Dec. 12, 1956, in Russell, he was the son of Edgar L. and Irma (Kohler) Zordel.
He grew up in Russell and attended Russell Public Schools. He was united in marriage to Catherine F. Mauro on June 19, 1976, in Russell, for 11 years. From this union they were blessed with two daughters, Amber and Angela. Even though the marriage ended in divorce, Catherine and Jim remained close friends, working together to raise their two daughters.
Jim was good working with his hands and worked as an auto mechanic for many years. He worked as a mechanic with his father for several years at Eddies Auto Repair. In his early 40s he attended and graduated from Truck Driving School and worked as a truck driver for several years. The last 10 years he worked for White Energy in the maintenance department.
He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, off-road driving in Colorado, bowling, good music and good food. He was an avid NASCAR fan with his favorite driver being Dale Earnhardt Sr. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his close friends and family. He especially enjoyed spending time with his daughters and grandchildren.
Surviving family include his daughters, Amber Mask and husband John of Russell, and Angela Zordel and significant other Kyle Hoeffner of Bennington; brother Donald Zordel and wife Tammy of Baldwin City; sister Carol Thomas and husband Tim of Bailey, Colo.; ex-wife Catherine Pasek and husband David of Russell; three grandchildren, Gabrielle Mask, Caleb Mask and Cayden Bauer; and a sister-in-law, Jan Zordel of Russell. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Robert Zordel; and sister Rita Zordel.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 30, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell with Pastor Jim Alexander officiating. Guest book will be available for friends and family to sign from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday at the mortuary. Services will conclude at the mortuary and cremation will follow the services. Memorials may be given to the Zordel Grandkids Education Fund and sent in care of the mortuary.

Funeral services provided by
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary**
610 N. Maple
Russell, KS. 67665
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, June 29, 2016