The James family has lost a dear and treasured friend. Wilbur Allen Zink passed away September 26, 2010. He was born April 30, 1926.

Wilbur was a pallbearer at the re-internment of Jesse James on October 28, 1995. He was co-founder of the James-Younger Gang, and an honorary board member of the Friends of James Farm. He was a member of a number of organizations including the Kansas City Posse of Westerners, The National Association for Outlaw & Lawmen History, and the Wild West History Association.

Prior to his passing, Wilbur was preparing to write a book, based on a collection of letters he had acquired that were written by Frank James. His title for this book was Burn These Letters. Wilbur was the author of several previous books. It All Started with a Tornado recounted his home town of Appleton City, Missouri, where Wilbur inherited and operated his Ford dealership that was three generations old. He recounted his days in World War II aboard the U.S.S. Nassau in a book titled The Little Princess.

An avid collector of Western artifacts, antiques, and memorabilia, Wilbur put his historical knowledge to pen an additional book, writing The Roscoe Gun Battle, Younger Brothers Versus Pinkerton Detectives.  

In addition to his interests and occupation, Wilbur A. Zink also was an ordained minister. A Memorial service will be at the Missouri Christian Church in Appleton City, Missouri, at 2:30 pm, October 2, 2010. Lunch will be served at 11:30 am.

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The funeral home has just posted an official obituary & funeral arrangements for Wilbur Zink.