Jim E. Zann, age 85, of Farmington, passed away Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at his residence.

Jim was born July 3, 1937, in Dearborn, the son of John and Wilma (Kelley) Zann.  Jim married Sharon Ann Hefferan on June 26, 1965, at St. Patrick's Church in Parnell, Michigan.

Jim began his career working at Ford Motor Company where he would meet his wife, Sharon.  At Ford, he worked in the human resources and real estate departments, while earning his M.B.A. and J.D.  He was involved with transactions for obtaining new dealerships throughout the U.S.  He later became a prosecuting attorney for the City of Farmington before venturing into private law practice, where he specialized in real estate law.  He also was an instructor where he taught real estate continuing education and courses for broker and real estate salesperson's licenses.  Many of Jim's students and groups requested him every year for their annual requirements.  Jim was very passionate about teaching and taught up until 2017.

Jim was a very kind and caring person and helped many people during his life.  He performed pro-bono legal services and was an active parishioner at St. Gerald's Catholic Church.  He held multiple leadership positions on the church's groups for various events and fund-raising activities.  Many people were fortunate to experience Jim's wonderful sense of humor and charisma.

Jim loved spending time with his family, attending his sons' and grandchildrens' dance and sporting events.  He was an avid follower of Formula One and Indy Car racing and enjoyed fishing and golf.  His love of classical music, particularly, Beethoven, inspired him to become a volunteer as an usher at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for over a decade.

His most beloved pastime, however, was studying the history of the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln.  He read hundreds of books on the topic and attended lectures over his lifetime.  It was during a trip to Springfield, Il, the birthplace of Lincoln, when his sons Jim and Patrick truly learned of their Dad's immense knowledge and depth of the subjects.  His wife and sons will miss, among many other qualities and experiences, discussing various elements of his favorite interest.

Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Sharon; sons, James (Jessica) Zann and Patrick (Trina) Zann; grandchildren, Madelyn Elizabeth Zann (16), Ethan James Zann (13), and Everett Oldfield Zann (10); brother, Richard (MaryAnn) Zann and sister, Margaret Brunk, sister-in-law Betty Zann James was preceded in death by brother, J. Thomas Zann, and sisters, Patricia Allen and Marilyn Diaz.

The Zann family will receive guests on Sunday, October 30 ^th , from 2-8 pm, with a 7 pm Rosary, at Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home, 23720 Farmington Road, Farmington MI 48336.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, October 31 ^st , 11 am (in state 10:30 am), at St. Gerald Catholic Church, 21300 Farmington Rd, Farmington, MI 48336.

Memorial tributes are suggested to St. Vincent de Paul at St. Gerald Parish.