James F. Zumsteg

James Franklin “Jim” Zumsteg, 86, of Otterville, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born September 19, 1939, at the family home north of Otterville, the son of Lewis Franklin and Ruth May (Gorman) Zumsteg. He graduated from Otterville High School in 1957 and later served in the United States Army.

On December 28, 1963, at First Baptist Church of Otterville, he married Ida M. Ruckman. Together they raised four children and shared 62 years of marriage.

Jim worked for many years in carpentry, including with Local 101 Carpenters Union and Viebrock Construction. He also farmed on the family farm, which was a place close to his heart.

He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Otterville, where he served as a deacon, trustee, and Sunday school teacher. He took pride in helping with the construction of the new church building in the 1980s. He was also a member of 40 & 8 Voiture 333 and a 50-year Mason. He served two terms on the Otterville City Council. During his terms he was instrumental in paving the streets and installing the sewer system.

Jim enjoyed oil painting, woodworking, and gardening. He restored his old John Deere tractor, a project he was especially proud of. His grandchildren were central to his life, and he valued each of them.

He will be remembered as direct and honest, loyal to his family and friends, and steady in his commitments. He was often working quietly behind the scenes, serving his family, church, and community without seeking recognition.

Survivors include his wife, Ida, of the home; four children, Wendy Kitting (Todd) of Evergreen, CO, Camilla Good of Monument, CO, Paul Zumsteg (Sheri) of Otterville, and Kelly Ramey (Chris) of Sedalia; twelve grandchildren, Alexandria (Chad), Hannah (Aaron), Josiah (Shauna), Elijah (Haleigh), Keturah (Dan), Lily, Avery, Taylor (Madisyn), Sawyer (Alyssa), Gunner (Karlee), Silas, and Levi; and eleven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Leah Kitting; two sisters, Glenna Ruth Zumsteg and Christine Grossman (Junior); and a brother, Donald Zumsteg (Anne).

The family will receive friends beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Otterville, concluding with a 40 & 8 service. The memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in IOOF Cemetery in Otterville.

Honorary pallbearers will be his grandsons: Taylor Zumsteg, Josiah Good, Elijah Good, Sawyer Kitting, Gunner Ramey, Silas Good, and Levi Good.

Memorials are suggested to 40 & 8 Voiture 333 for nursing scholarships or to First Baptist Church of Otterville for missions.

Arrangements are in the care of Meisenheimer-Page-Dady Funeral Home.