On Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, our beloved husband, father and friend, James South Trimble, age 56, passed away surrounded by his loving family.  

He was born January 18, 1968, to James Lazaro and Gail Narehood Trimble in Washington, DC.   

Jim grew up in Rockville, MD, where he graduated from Rockville High School in 1986. He was a friend to so many!  He enjoyed playing basketball, baseball, and football.  Every year, Jim & his family spent their warm, wonderful summers in his beloved Fenwick Island, DE beach house, where they all felt truly at home. Jim loved the water and spent his entire life around it. 

When it came time for college, Jim was appointed by his congressman to attend The United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY, where he played on the basketball team and eventually became a co-captain senior year, receiving both the MVP and Captain Awards.  In 1989, his division III team made it to the NCAA Tournament.  Jim also played on the USMMA football team as a long snapper and kicker.  His schooling made it possible for him to travel the world by sea and Jim was able to see 21 countries before his 21st birthday.  Upon graduation in 1990, he received his commission as an Officer in the United States Navy Reserves. 

Jim was a confident man of high character, who loved his country. Right after Desert Storm happened, he volunteered to help run supply ships over to the Persian Gulf.  He received a US Merchant Marine Expeditionary Award as a 3rd mate on the Cape Clear. While still going to sea, he continued to actively pursue a career as a Harbor Pilot. He was accepted into the Virginia Pilot Association as an apprentice August 1, 1994, where he learned “on the job” while shadowing and observing the Senior Pilots.  He eagerly worked hard through all hours of the day and night for 6 years, then his dream came true and he became a VA State Unlimited Branch Pilot and gained partnership in the VPA. This was his DREAM career. He absolutely loved being a Pilot and was an outstanding Captain with expert knowledge & exceedingly capable abilities. Jim was a VA Pilot for 29 ½ years and piloted nearly 5,000 ships in his career. 

He married Diana Zizlavsky on September 19, 1996, in Virginia Beach, VA and they were married for 27 ½ years. They raised 2 amazing sons, South & Fenwick, who were the joy of his life. He was a wonderful husband and father. Along with Diana, he was a “hands on” Dad, and enjoyed participating fully in all their children’s activities. He was also a great provider and had a positive attitude. Jim lived a full and engaging life; he loved his family, friends, America, and believed in God. He loved being on the water whether for Piloting ships, fishing or just for pleasure. He loved meeting new people and connecting with them, he loved fishing, playing basketball, Commander’s football, and the Baltimore Orioles. Jim loved playing golf with his college friends on their annual CIV-MAR golf trip and has cherished these KP friendships. Jim loved coaching both sons in football, baseball, and basketball, and began volunteering as an assistant coach at both NA and GNMS girls’ teams when he felt it was time for other coaches to coach his own kids. He enjoyed mentoring young people who wanted to become a pilot, he loved working out at the gym while listening to his music and enjoyed his many friendships at the gym. Many vacations were spent in Fenwick Island, and he always loved crab feasts. Clams and oysters were enjoyed regularly, so much so that Jim was affectionately called “Uncle Clam” by his nieces and nephews. Most of all, Jim was so proud of his sons and loved them dearly. Jim and Diana traveled to as many college baseball games as possible to watch them play. After Jim passed away, Fenwick reminded us that, “Now Dad will always have the best seat in the house at every game.”   

Jim was a very hard worker, and he filled every day to the fullest. He will continue to be loved and our memories of him will forever be cherished.   

Jim is survived by his loving family, including his wife Diana (Zizlavsky) Trimble and their 2 sons: South James and Fenwick Alexander, who were his pride and joy.  He is also survived by his father, James and wife Clotilde, his loving 4 older sisters: Carolyn (& Frankie) Trimble, Alexis Bessinger (& Wayne Volentine), Leeanna (& Dan) Currie, Jacqueline (& Bill) D’Albora, sister-in-law, Catherine (& Mandy) Zizlavsky and brother-in-law Frank (& Monica) Zizlavsky, along with many nieces & nephews: Caitlyn (& Danny) Wiley, Kelly, Jacqueline (& Lance) Custer, Will, Megan, Sallee, Christina, Katie, Paige, Eliza, along with Catherine, Myles, Frankie, & Nora Zizlavsky. 

Note:  In September 2020, during COVID, Jim shockingly found out that he had Stage IV Colon Cancer. After hearing that “Christmas might be a stretch,” he dug down deep and battled to live. With the help of his Doctors and Nurses he lived a little over 3 ½ years with 80 chemotherapy treatments, innumerable CT scans, pump surgery, the works!  He fought until his breath gave out; he was one determined & tough man!  Or, as his son South said: “He’s a Humble Badass!”   May Jim now Rest in Peace & Love. 

Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 @ 11:00 am at Church of the Holy Family – 1279 N. Great Neck Road Virginia Beach, VA.

 In lieu of flowers or gifts: Please get your colonoscopy in memory of Jim.