Known affectionately as “Z” in local bowling circles, Jim Zarnick died recently at age 84.

There should be a 27th letter in the alphabet, just for him, as this man stood for so many positive things.

Inspiration. Integrity. Perseverance. Dedication. Determination. Loyalty. Etc. Etc.

Add a few of your own. Jim was all of them.

Inducted into the Butler County Bowling Association’s Hall of Fame in 2006, Zarnick rolled a 289 game one night to earn high game honors in our Thursday night league at Family Bowlaway — at age 76.

He rolled a 268 game for high honors in the league two years ago — at age 82.

Zarnick rarely had a rough night on the lanes in terms of production. Ron Willison, the Eagle’s former bowling columnist, used two words to describe “Z” in one of his columns: Consistency and respect.

Zarnick was incredibly consistent. He averaged over 200 for 15 years. He was a member of the Butler County Bowling Association for more than 60 years.

He rolled a 300 game, a 299 game, a triplicate of 256.

He earned the respect of everyone he came across in the bowling game.

It was just in the way he carried himself. A basic approach. Nothing flashy or flamboyant. No emotional reaction to any result.

You knew Jim was upset with a shot when he’d softly flip both arms in the air as he turned away from the approach. That was about it.

I had the privilege of being Zarnick’s teammate a couple of times in the Hardwood Cafe mixed league at Family Bowlaway. He was always the anchor. He always bowled last.

If he needed to make a strike or spare to win a game, he did it nine times out of 10. When he did it, again, no enthusiastic reaction.

He’d turn around with a big smile on his face.

Bowling was his game — and he never quit on it.

Before losing his battle with cancer, Jim Zarnick fought it all the way. This past season, he struggled to even walk.

He still didn’t struggle on the lanes.

He’d shuffle along the approach, stop and flip his ball out there — still in the right spot, still producing strikes and spares at a consistent rate.

Jim would be visibly tired by the third game, but never called it an early night. He’d finish up, pack up his gear and leave with his biggest fan, wife Rosemarie, who accompanied him to the lanes on most nights.

Jim Zarnick always had a word of advice for low-average and/or new bowlers. He took his grandson bowling and taught him the game he loved so much.

He was more than a Pennsylvania State Bowling Association champion. This man was a champion of life.

So you’ve heard more thunder and lightning lately?

No worries.

That’s just “Z” adjusting to a new house.

John Enrietto is sports editor of the Butler Eagle