James “Jimmy” Zito

James “Jimmy” Victor Zito passed away on October 18,​2023, at the age of 76, in his hometown of Sun City, Arizona. Jimmy was born to Joseph and Mary Zito on May 29, 1947, in Phoenix, Arizona. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Gene Zito.

An extremely proud father and grandfather, he is survived by son, Brian Zito; daughter, Lisa Gardner (Adam); his “one and only” granddaughter, Emma Gardner, who called him“ Papa;” sister, Terri Steffen (David); niece, Sierra Lovegrove (Spencer); many cousins, a special one being Stanley Warren.

A friend to all, Jimmy made everyone laugh with his winning personality. He always enjoyed a good joke. He never met a stranger and leaves many friends and family who will miss him deeply.

He served in the Navy on the nuclear submarine, the U.S.S. Will Rogers. Jim retired from Southwest Airlines. His favorite “job” was as a PGA teaching, coaching, and club pro, having been an avid golfer since childhood.

Jimmy will be honored in a brief ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, in Phoenix, on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial with Navy Honors starts at 11am.

23029 North Cave Creek Rd

Phoenix, AZ 85024

-Entrance is on Pinnacle Peak stay on main road into cemetery and look for large marquee to confirm shelter location for ZITO

Followed by a celebration of life

Goelet A Beuf Community Center

Outdoor Ramada 12-2pm

3435 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd

Phoenix, AZ 85027

In lieu of flowers, please donate to American Heart Association.

www.heart.org