James "Jim" M. Zavisin Sr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James (Jim) Milan Zavisin Sr on April 1st, 2026 at the age of 85. Jim was born on November 20th 1940, in Cheviot OH to the late Ivan and Katherine (nee Chirich) Zavisin, first generation immigrants from Serbia. Jim had 1 beloved sister, the late Elaine (nee Zavisin) Snyder. Jim was a loving and devoted father to Tonya (David Rutishauser) Zavisin, and the late James "Jay" Zavisin and the late Nicholas (Amy) Zavisin, and to his grandchildren Nicholas and Jack Zavisin, and Maya Rutishauser. Jim was a cherished brother-in-law to Milan Snyder, uncle to Scott, Jeff, and Jim Snyder, and Jennifer Quinn, cousin to Rod and Mike Zavisin, and friend to many.

After elementary school, Jim attended Millersburg Military Institute in Kentucky and the University of Cincinnati, receiving a bachelor's degree in marketing. He worked as a sales and marketing leader at Dow Chemical and Monsanto, and later started his own business, Z-Pak Solutions, designing custom packaging for customers such as Ford, Toyota, and P&G among others. He has been a long-standing active member of his cherished Sigma Chi fraternity. Jim was an avid tennis player and huge sports fanatic, following his beloved UC Bearcats, Cincinnati Bengals and Reds, and all things tennis. Jim played competitive tennis for many years but was most proud of his time playing doubles with his son Nick, where they ranked in the top 10 in Cincinnati in the early 1990's. After hanging up his racket, Jim enjoyed several years serving as a Tennis Marshall for the Cincinnati Western & Southern tournament. He spent his last 5 years at Traditions at Camargo, where he enjoyed many weekly card games with wonderful friends, sharing his love of cooking, and engaging in bible study and discussion. Jim was blessed to have a wonderful and supportive family and many lifelong dear friends.

Most impactful to Jim was his personal relationship with God. It's been a road traveled since 1975 when he was first introduced to Cursillo, a Catholic retreat. After two years of intensive biblical study, he was invited to the Methodist Upper Room to launch a similar program later called a "Walk to Emmaus". In similar fashion, he was an early member of the Kairos Prison Ministry program, where he led and worked on mission teams for over 10 years. He retired from his leadership role, only after Kairos was instituted in all 22 prisons in Ohio. Within the prison movement, he initiated a monthly publication called "Prisoner to Prisoner", an opportunity to share inspiring stories about inmates encountering the freedom and love of Christ behind prison bars. Jim continued to share the Gospels and love of Christ to all he encountered throughout his life.

It is difficult to find words to describe how deeply Jim will be missed. His love and devotion to his family and friends, his quick witted and corny sense of humor, his joy and welcoming disposition to all he encountered, his wisdom and sound advice, and his upbeat attitude no matter the circumstances, are characteristics that will be his cherished legacy and will always remain a part of those who knew him. 

Funeral service will be held at Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church, 1345 Grace Ave, on Tuesday, April 14th at 11 a.m. where family and friends may visit in the Social Hall from 10 a.m. until the time of service. If desired, memorials may be directed to Kairos Prison Ministry of Ohio | Bringing Hope and Healing to Incarcerated Individuals