James Michael Zak

James Michael Zak, better known as “Mike”, Chief Zak, Dad, and Grandpa, passed away on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. He was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and is preceded in death by his parents Walter Bernard Zak and Vada Marie Zak. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Gayle Zak; his daughter, Sheila Courtney and husband, Michael; his son, Lewis Zak and wife, Jamie; his sister, Beverly Barnes; his brother, Mark Zak and wife, Donna; his sister, Annette McCurdy and husband, Mark; his brother, Walter Zak and wife, Nancy; his grandson, Aiden Zak; Brother-in-law Glen Maxwell, six nieces, and numerous cousins, great nieces and great nephews.

Mike graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1969 and when Gayle came to TJ in the spring of that year, he was love struck the first time he saw her. He was tired of school by then, but he looked forward to 4th period Study Hall, because Gayle was there. Mike was shy and was scared to ask her out. Summer came and went and in September of 1969, Gayle put in an application at the Safeway Store where Mike worked. The store manager asked Mike to pick out some of the job applications because they needed to hire more checkers. Gayle was hired and reported to Mike on her first day at Safeway. Near the end of her shift, Mike asked Gayle if she could work on Friday night and asked You don’t have a date, do you? She said no, she could work. An hour later, Mike came up to Gayle and asked if she wanted to go to Pizza Inn after work on Friday. What was she to say? Gayle had already told Mike, that she didn’t have a date that night. That’s where their love story began.

Mike and Gayle were married on July 11, 1971 and they liked to toast their anniversary with a Slurpee from 7 Eleven. They were married by the Fire Department Chaplain at the Walnut Hill United Methodist Church in Dallas. Mike and Gayle lived in Garland, Texas for 25 years, where they raised their two children, Sheila and Lewis. Mike joined Indian Princess with his daughter and Indian Guides with his son. He was very proud of both of his children and loved them dearly. Having been raised Catholic, Mike made the decision that he wanted to return to the Catholic Church, so on their thirtieth wedding anniversary, Mike and Gayle were married at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Plano with their two children present. Mike volunteered with Stephen Ministry and served as a sponsor with RCIA. He also started a program at the church, called Catholics, Once and Again, for people like himself who wanted to return to the Catholic Church. He was a very devout Catholic, a loving father and dear husband.

Mike wanted to be a fireman when he was younger and he applied as soon as he was old enough. He was turned down the first time, because he didn’t meet the 150-pound weight minimum. That didn’t stop him, he applied again to the Dallas Fire Department and he finally made the cut at 151 pounds. In January 1971, he started with what is now called Dallas Fire-Rescue, but due to a health issue, he almost lost his job while in Rookie School. Luckily, that didn’t happen and his career took off. He was eager to be the best he could be in his job, always studying for the next promotion and he volunteered to be one of the first EMTs and Paramedics when the ambulances started up in Dallas. He quickly moved through the ranks, working as a Captain at 6’s where he was referred to as “Captain Tidy”. He eventually landed at 1’s as a Deputy Chief, where he stayed for most of the remainder of his Dallas Fire-Rescue career.

He was a leader and a stickler for rules, while endeavoring to be fair. In his 38-year career with Dallas Fire-Rescue, he was well-respected and blessed by the camaraderie of so many who brought great happiness into his life. Dallas Fire-Rescue was Mike’s second family and he was a very proud father when his son Lewis joined the department.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you make a donation in Mike’s name to one of the following organizations or a charity of your choice. Suggestions include: Catholic Charities, The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Plano (Building Fund), Dallas Retired Fire Fighters Association (Honor Guard).

Visitation with the family will be on Monday, March 21, 2022 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at:

Ted Dickey West Funeral Home, 7990 President George Bush Turnpike, Dallas, TX 75252

Funeral Mass will be on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at 12:30 pm at:

St. Monica Catholic Church, 9933 Midway Road, Dallas, TX 75220 (Onsite parking is limited. Parking is allowed on side streets and at the Walnut Hill Recreation Center across the street. If you can walk, please leave close in parking for those who can’t.)

Last Bell Graveside Service will be following the Mass on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at 2:30 pm at:

Calvary Hill Cemetery, 3235 Lombardy Lane, Dallas, TX 75220