- November 1, 2024
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When you needed a friend, Ormond Beach residents Jim and Karen Zahnen were ready to step into that role.
"They were the kind of people that really never met a stranger," longtime friend Caryn Baker said. "Always willing to help, lend a helping a hand, be there if you needed them — ready to go if you wanted to do something, go to dinner, whatever it was. They just really enjoyed life."
A week before Hurricane Milton struck, Baker had been out to dinner with the Zahnens. They made plans to celebrate Karen's 80th birthday in November – another memory to add to their 20 years of friendship.
The storm changed everything. Karen was killed after a tree fell on their Tomoka Oaks home during the hurricane, and her 80-year-old husband Jim died in the hospital on Oct. 17 from his injuries. The couple had been married for 52 years.
"I just can't imagine one of them being without the other," Baker said. "There's some comfort for all of us and for the family that they're together again."
The Zahnens moved into their home in Rio Pinar Drive in 1988. Prior to retiring in 2012, Karen worked as an administrative assistant for the Bethune-Cookman University Athletic Department. She helped film B-CU football games, ran concession stands, and handled the day-to-day paperwork, according to a university article recognizing her for her 25-year career.
Jim worked as an electrical engineer for Homac Manufacturing Co. He was also involved in the development of the Daytona State College Advannced Technology College, which offers specialized programs in engineering, computer science, manufacturing, emergency medical services and more. His son Jeff is currently a math professor at the ATC.
DSC has established the James and Karen Zahnen Memorial Scholarship in their honor. Donations to the fund will all go to support students attending the ATC.
Baker first met the Zahnens at the Bamboo Garden restaurant. They were part of a dinner group of friends who would go out frequently. Years later, when the restaurant's previous owners' daughter got married, Baker and her husband attended the wedding along with the Zahnens. They took a party bus to the venue.
Over the years, the Zahnens also hosted regular Friday night driveway parties at their home. Those were open to neighbors, friends and anybody that wanted to stop by.
"Literally, just chairs out in their driveway, in front of their garage, in front of their house," Baker said. "Come over and sit down and chat, and hang out, every Friday night, they would do it — weather permitting," she added with a laugh.
Ormond Beach City Commissioner Harold Briley knew the Zahnens for 35 years. He used to race remote-controlled cars with one of their sons when they were teens, and remained friends throughout the years, including going a cruise together in 1999.
"They were the type of people that, if you needed something, they'd be there for you," Briley said.
They would give you the shirt off their backs, if you needed it, he added. But they were humble about it — they would never publicize how they helped others.
”When I found out the day after Hurricane Milton that Karen had passed away during the storm, I was in shock," he said. "When I learned the next week that Jim had passed as well, I was in total disbelief. They were two of the nicest and kindest people you could ever meet. They treated their friends like family.”
Baker recalled the trips she shared with the Zahnens on their mutual friend's boat. Jim loved to tinker on the vessel.
"He had all sorts of tools and pieces of equipment and things," Baker said. "He could basically find whatever you were looking for that you might need for the situation."
The Zahnens would want to be remembered for their friendliness and open demeanor, Baker said. They also loved to travel and enjoyed spending time with their two sons and two grandchildren.
"They were friends to everybody," Baker said. "Always upbeat and up for a good time."
Services for Jim and Karen Zahnen will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, at 600 S. Nova Road in Ormond Beach. The couple will be buried at Shady Rest Cemetery in Holly Hill and a celebration of life reception will be held at Stonewood Grill & Tavern from 1:30-5 p.m.
