James Robert Ziegler

James Robert Ziegler Jr. passed away March 11, 2015. He was born in Owensville, AR on April 18, 1925. J.R. grew up in Arkansas; he was 3rd in his graduating class at Fountain Lake High School. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served during WWII in the European and Pacific Theater. In 1946 after he returned from the Navy he got a job at Waterson’s radio factory where he worked on the night shift. Every evening when he arrived at work he would pass by Connie’s desk and start walking just a little slower. They were married March 15, 1947 and celebrated 67 years together. Sunday would have been their 68th wedding anniversary.J.R. served as a Grand Prairie Volunteer Firefighter for 20 years. He was a Deacon at First Baptist Church and has been a member for 60 years. He was also a member of IMSA; a trade association. James enjoyed tinkering, mainly on his sprinkler system, and watching televangelist and fake court shows on t.v. In 1947 when J.R. and Connie settled in Grand Prairie he worked in the A/C industry for Rodger Dickey. Then he became the first traffic engineer for the City of Grand Prairie. After 20 years of working for the city he became a plant manager for SASO and when he retired in 1987 he had reacted the title of president.J.R. was a great man who was proud of his family and their name. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. A strong Christian man and role model, he would never hire someone to do a job he thought he could handle himself. He had a very outgoing personality and loved to joke around with his family. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.He is preceded in death by his brother Hurlon Ray; sister Cleo Jeffries; granddaughter Trisha Snow; grandson-in-law Chris Snow; great-granddaughter Carson Snow; nephews Steven and James Tune.He is survived by his wife Connie Ziegler; son James Ziegler and his wife Darla; grandson Bryan Ziegler and his wife Crystal; great-grandchildren Savannah Snow, Ryder Snow, Caitlyn Ziegler, Colton Ziegler; brother Lyndolph Ziegler and his wife Bobbie; cousin Norval Ziegler; niece Sandra Poe and several more nieces and nephews.