James M. Zill Sr.

Age 91, of Upper St. Clair went home to be with the Lord Saturday, August 1, 2026. Born in Pittsburgh to the late Thomas and Elizabeth Zill. Beloved husband of the late Alberta F. Bohaski Zill. Dear father of Dawn(Doug) Roaten, James(Stacy) Zill, Ken(Nikki) Zill. Loving Pap to Lindsey, Carly, Aidan, and Darian. Preceded by his siblings Lois(Harold) Ward, and Joe Zill Sr. James is survived by many nieces and nephews. Heartfelt gratitude to Joey Zill and Darlene Bohaski for their constant presence and support throughout the years.

Jim never knew a stranger. In talking with him for mere moments you knew how proud he was of his accomplishments from being born in Homestead with an outhouse in the backyard to living with his beautiful wife of 62 years and their children in the house he built in Upper St Clair. He was a proud Veteran of the U.S. Navy serving in the end of the Korean War from 1952-1956. Jim graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a business degree, selling business forms for a few local companies before starting A Zill Enterprises in which he regretfully shut down in January 2026. He was part-owner of Zill and Tanner Homes, that he started with his best friend, Ray, in 1972. They built many homes in the South Hills area that he proudly pointed out as he drove through the neighborhoods. Jim loved sports and was quite the athlete; playing football on the freshman team at Pitt, basketball at the Y, softball, and golf over the years. He was a fanatic about working out and amazingly enough visited the gym until he was 90 years old. He bragged about his beautiful wife he met at The Grove in Castle Shannon and stated it was love at first sight clearing his dance card for the night to dance only with her. Within a few short months of dating, they were engaged and married. They honeymooned in Florida which became Jim’s favorite vacation spot he loved to visit with family and friends who were dear to his heart. Jim had a good sense of humor and loved to joke with everyone he met. He was larger than life and leaves behind many stories and memories to be passed on by his loved ones.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Freyvogel-Slater Funeral Directors where family and friends will be received on Thursday August 6, 2026 from 2-4 & 6-8 pm at 112 Fort Couch Road in Bethel Park, 412-835-1860. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Thomas More Church, Resurrection Parish, 126 Fort Couch Road in Bethel Park on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 10:00 am. Burial will be private.

www.slaterfuneral.com