James E. Duda

James “Jim” E. Duda age 71, of Iron River, MI, passed away on Friday, November 23, 2018 at Aspirus Iron River Hospital.   He was born on September 5, 1947 in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, the son of the late Edward and Theresa (Polum) Duda. He attended the St. Phillips School of Rudolph, WI and graduated from Lincoln High School of Wisconsin Rapids in 1965.  He served in the U.S. Army for two years, working as a clerical clerk and worked evenings as a bartender at an officer’s club.  While serving in the Army, he had an opportunity to tour Europe with some fellow servicemen.  This is where he got the nickname of “Zippidy”.  Upon returning home, he attended a year of business school in Stevens Point, WI.    On August 22, 1970 he married Dallas Aron of Wisconsin Rapids, WI at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Wisconsin Rapids and recently celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary.  Together they started in the food business as owners of the T&T Supper Club of Iron River in 1972.  In 1989 they moved their business down the street and remodeled the current Zippidy Duda Restaurant.  Jim was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church in Iron River.  He was former member the Iron River Elks Lodge #1671 and a past President of Camp Gibbs.  Jim loved the sport of archery and won numerous awards and taught archery to students ranging from age five to 80.  He also loved going to his camp at Winslow Lake with his loving dog of 17 years, Rusty.  And he enjoyed playing cribbage and giving Ron Sykora “lessons” and using his beloved tractor.  Jim was very much involved with the community from working with the UP Rodeo to city wide events.  He won an award for Conservationist of the Year that was presented to him by his granddaughter, Seantel.  For years he worked hard with his co-chairpersons, Gregg and Sheree Stebbins to help preserve Camp Gibbs.     Jim is survived by his wife, Dallas; son, Chad Duda of Iron River; granddaughters, Seantel Duda of Kingsford, MI and Danielle Frymark of Milwaukee, WI; sister, Lynette (Dennis) Hartjes of Rudolph, WI; extended family and friends. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle Duda.  Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 28, 2018 from 11:00 am to 12:45 pm at the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River.  Funeral services will follow at 1 pm at St. Agnes Catholic Church with Rev. Gregory Veneklase to offer the Mass of Christian Burial.  The West Side Veterans will accord Military Rites after the service.  Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery in the spring.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Iron County Cancer Unit and the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center and the Iron County West Side Veterans Council.    To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James E. Duda, please visit our flower store.