James “Ziggy” Ziegler committed his life towards the service of others. Whether caring for his family, his service in the military, his patrons at the restaurant, his constituents through his public service, his service to Catholic Schools, his friends he ministered to in prison ministry, his dedication to anyone and everyone defined his character. His presence in our community was felt by all, from the highest of elected officials and business executives to the homeless and imprisoned.
When Ziggy and Stella moved to Billings in 1974, it was only natural they would continue their kids Catholic education at Fratt Elementary and Billings Central Catholic High School. The Billings Catholic Schools became their family. As their fashion, Ziggy and Stella threw themselves into each fundraising event, volunteer opportunity, and attended every football and basketball game they could – a decades-long tradition he continued until his final days.
Ziggy and Stella’s commitment to Catholic education did not only extend to his family. They paid tuition for numerous students over the years. For most, the student was one of their employees. When they asked, “Why don’t you send your kids to the Catholic schools,” the issue of tuition always came up. Ziggy and Stella graciously offered to help pay.
To honor this legacy, Ziggy and Stella’s family established the Ziggy and Stella Ziegler Endowed Scholarship. This fund supports two in-need students – one at St. Francis K-8 Catholic, and one Billings Central Catholic High School – with $2,000 scholarships each to attend Billings Catholic Schools.
