James Zelek, 57

MOULTONBOROUGH — James W. Zelek, 57, of Moultonborough, died unexpectedly Sunday, May 18, 2014.

Born in West Hartford, Conn., on Sept. 3, 1956, the son of Theodore (deceased) and Audrey Zelek, Jim was raised in Berlin, Conn.

He attended Central Connecticut State University before entering the Air Force. Jim served 4½ years at several different bases and schools the last of which was in Wiesbaden, Germany.

Jim returned to Connecticut to work full-time at University of Connecticut Medical Center and to continue his education. He meet his wife, of 31 years, Linda Strickland Zelek at Central. He was an active brother of Alpha Phi Omega fraternity.

Jim and Linda were married and moved to Coventry, Conn., where they added to their family. Jim left the medical field going into the financial service field with IDS Financial Service in Wethersfield, Conn. He developed his business, starting a branch office in Norwich, Conn. However, when he was offered the training manager's position in the leading premier office in Los Angeles, he moved his family. After several years and many changes at IDS he decided it was time to start his own firm.

Jim moved his family to New Hampshire in 1994 and with Linda's assistance formed Zelek & Associates. Over the next 20 years they developed a thriving financial and tax services business. Becoming friends with all the clients and business associates throughout the country and around the world. The company was family.

Jim was active in the community, a member of the Moultonborough Lions Club, helped start and keep together in the early years the Moultonboro Adult co-ed softball league. He played, then coached hockey, umpired Little League (there are no ties in softball). He loved golf, camping, backpacking, baseball, football, travel and entertaining.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Linda Zelek of Moultonborough; daughter, Jaime Thornock and her husband Brian Thornock of Frederick, Colo.; son, Torrey Zelek of Tamworth; daughter, Caitlin Fargnoli of Mayport, Fla.; son, Derek Zelek of Agawam, Mass.; grandchildren, Tarrah and Carina Kleeman, and Willow Thornock of Frederick, Colo.; David Fargnoli Jr. and Aeron Fargnoli of Mayport, Fla.; his mother, Audrey Zelek of Kensington, Conn.; mother-in-law Patricia Strickland of Moultonborough; brother, Thomas Zelek and his wife Nella Zelek of Kensington, Conn.; sister-in-law, Naomi Strickland; brother-in-law, John Strickland; and sister-in-law, Deb Evans and her husband Bob Evans. Several nieces, nephews, many adopted daughters and sons. And his furry kids Zarya, Max and Pumpkin.

A celebration of Jim's life was held Monday, May 26, 2014.