CUMBERLAND — James Cortes Zembower, 81, of Cumberland, passed away Monday, Dec. 14, 2009 at the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center after a battle with colon cancer.

Born April 25, 1928 in Cumberland, Mr. Zembower was the son of the late Cortes Calvin Zembower and Thelma “Bessie” Bernadine (Kasecamp) Zembower. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Lowdermilk; a stepmother, Lillie Zembower; and was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

A graduate of Fort Hill High School, Mr. Zembower was a United States Marine Corps veteran and was employed by the B&O; Railroad, Memorial Hospital and was an auto mechanic for Max’s Service Station before retiring in 1990. He was a member of the Zion Methodist Church on Bedford Road. Mr. Zembower enjoyed attending the games at Fort Hill High School and watching the Baltimore Ravens. He had a love for classic automobiles, swimming, vegetable gardening and spending time with his family.

Mr. Zembower is survived by his wife of 51 years, Josephine (Everett) Zembower; his daughters, Deborah J. Dennison and husband Rusty, Cumberland, Leslie A. Moreland and husband Brock, Ridgeley, W.Va. and Cathy L. Zembower and husband Matt Dillon, Ocean City; his grandchildren, Zachary Moreland and wife Lisa, Ellerslie, and Carly Moreland, Ridgeley; and a special niece, Judy Conn, Cumberland.

Friends will be received at the Adams Family Funeral Home, P.A., 404 Decatur St., Cumberland, AdamsFamilyFuneralHome.com on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.

A funeral service will be conducted at the funeral home on Friday, Dec. 18, 2009 at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Charles Reinaker officiating.