James (Jim) Leonard Andrew Zettervall, born on January 15, 1947, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, at the age of 79.
Jim grew up in Brooklyn Park Minnesota and attended Osseo High School. Jim attended Bemidji State University and played as quarterback on the football team before enrolling in the US Navy as an enlisted electronics technician. While stationed at Dam Neck, Jim met his wife of 57 years Brenda Mae Turpin. After discharge from the Navy, he completed a degree in accounting at Old Dominion University and began his accounting career as a CPA at Waller and Woodhouse in Norfolk.
Throughout his life in Virginia Beach Jim had many jobs in both accounting and car dealerships. He served as both as controller and general manager for several car dealerships, He ended his accounting career in the DC area performing forensic auditing and supporting Brenda in her career.
Throughout his life Jim served and volunteered for many organizations including President of the Harbor Front Kiwanis Club of Norfolk, Cub Scouts of America, Community and Sharon United Methodist Churches and also assisted with many other youth teams that his sons participated in. Jim was a die hard Minnesota Vikings and Washington Redskins fan, and a dedicated follower of all things Virginia Tech and The Ohio State University. One of his favorite pastimes though was attending sporting events to watch his grandchildren and traveling the world with his wife.
Jim and Brenda cherished their time at their home in Currituck, known lovingly as “the cottage”, for over 40 years. They also loved their time in Cabo San Lucas, traveling there over 20 times in 20 years. Jim will forever be known for his incredible optimism, resilience , love for engaging with people, and his fondness for ice cream.
James was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Glenn and Rachel Zettervall and his siblings ,Suzanne and Glenn. He is survived by his devoted wife, friend, and caregiver, Brenda Turpin Zettervall, who shared a lifetime of love and companionship with him. Together, they raised three children: Christopher Zettervall and his wife Pam, Matthew Zettervall, and Andrew Zettervall and his wife Georgette. James was also a loving grandfather to five grandchildren: Laura, Olivia, Alexis, Maggie, and Jake, who brought immense joy to his life. He is also survived by his siblings, Sally Hafner, Lisa Kunshier, Michael Zettervall, David Zettervall, and his in-laws Cliff and Leigh Simms and Cathy Turpin, along with many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at Cavalier Golf and Yacht Club, August 30, 2026 from 2pm-4pm, allowing family and friends to gather and honor his memory. Online condolences may be offered at www.altmeyer.com, where those who knew and loved Jim can share their memories and express their sympathies.
