John A Zinn, Jr.

John Arthur Zinn, Jr.   STAUNTON, VA…. John Arthur Zinn, Jr., died in Staunton on Friday, July 22, 2016. He was 83 years old.  John was born on May 17, 1933 in Morgantown, West Virginia, son of Maude Pugh Swindler Zinn and John Arthur Zinn. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Carl Zinn, sister Helen Sowers and first wife, Belva Albright Burcham. John is survived by his wife Mary Morriss (Marney) Gibbs, son John Arthur Zinn III (Josh Newman), sister Kay Murtha (Bob), brother-in-law Alvin Sowers, stepdaughters Beverly Smith Riddell (Mike) and Margo Smith (Tom Cogill), grandchildren Sarah and Matthew Riddell, and many nieces and nephews.  A graduate of Morgantown High School in 1951, John served with the Air Force from 1952 to 1956. He graduated from West Virginia University in 1961 and received a Masters of Counseling from WVU in 1962. John’s professional life was one of service, working with the mentally ill. He served as Director of Rehabilitation Services for Eastern State Hospital in Williamsburg, and served as the state consultant to sheltered workshops. Moving to Staunton after his retirement, John served the community in many ways.  Among the organizations he served were Community Residences, Habitat for Humanity, Valley Mission, Shelter for Abused Adults (now New Directions), and the Staunton Performing Arts Center by operating the Dixie Theater. He was also Santa Claus to lots of children and ill people in Staunton at Christmas time. A member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, he served as an elder and treasurer. He was an active member of the Staunton Rotary Club and received their Vocational Service Award in 2002. A train hobbyist, one of John’s favorite projects was the Gypsy Express Park Train. He organized volunteers to raise funds, restore and rebuild the train and add a handicapped accessible car. He also was an active member of the Augusta County Railroad Museum and Model RR Club. In later years he supported the Camera Heritage Museum. Recently he advocated for regulations establishing staff-patient ratios in dialysis centers. Arrangements will be handled by Henry Funeral Home. A Celebration of his Life will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church on Saturday, August 27th at 3:00 pm. Graveside services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity, or to any of the organizations John supported throughout his life. John was a joy to his family and friends and will be greatly missed.