Dr. James P. Zettas, a retired orthopaedic surgeon, passed away January 6, 2016 in Sequim, Washington.

Born March 14, 1929, he was the son of the late Gust and Lillian Zettas. He grew up in Chicago with his brother Paul.

He graduated from the University of Illinois Medical School in 1955, completing his residency in Orthopaedic surgery at Cook County Hospital in Illinois and Boston Children’s Hospital. He was certified for membership in

the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Before opening his own private Orthopaedic practice in Naperville, Illinois, he served as a Lieutenant at the

U.S. Naval Air Station in Patuxent River, Maryland. James and his wife Patricia moved to California where he became the Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Fresno County Hospital. The challenges there remained the highlight of his medical career.

Later, his brother Dr. Paul Zettas, joined him at Fresno County Hospital where they worked together

until opening their own private practice.

James and Patricia moved to Sequim, Washington

in 1991 to semi-retire. There he joined the Orthopaedic practice of a former classmate and friend.

James dedicated his working life to medicine. He valued each of his patients and was genuinely interested in their well being.

Outside of medicine, he enjoyed a variety of interests. He was passionate about music, excelled playing the organ, and his Yamaha Clavinova. He read extensively which bolstered his ability to speed through daily crossword puzzles.

Always looking for new challenges, he kept up with the times and early on became proficient at the computer. Having played football in high school and college, he had a life long love for the game. He also enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid gardener, boasting about his dandelion free lawns!

Always making people laugh, a number one priority, James will be remembered for his keen sense of humor and quick wit. Wherever he was, laughter followed. He was known for his big heart and was always a generous person. He enjoyed traveling and maintaining strong friendships and family bonds.

Growing up the son of Greek immigrants, he was aware of and always maintained a proud sense of his Greek heritage. His ability to speak Greek, learned at home as a young child, gave him great pleasure.

James is survived by his devoted and beloved wife Patricia; his brother Paul (Jenny) Zettas MD of Santa Barbara; nieces, Carol Weill (Michael) of Palatine Illinois, Pamela Perlman (Ed) of Greenwich, Connecticut, and Christine Di Filippo (Jim) of Colleyville, Texas; his brothers-in-law Bill Chymiy of Orland, Maine and Jim Chymiy (Ava) of Memphis, Tennessee.

James was loved by many and will be truly missed by all. His was a life well lived in every sense.

A service of remembrance and celebration of life will be held at a later date.