NEWAYGO, Mich. – James M. Zinn, 92, Newaygo, Mich., and formerly of Claypool, died Dec. 29, 2013, on the property he loved. He was born Nov. 20, 1921 on a farm near Etna Green to Ray and Echo Miller Zinn. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Wanda Jean Mendel, who preceded him in death July 5, 1991. He graduated from Burket High School in 1939 and manufactured and sold wooden venetian blinds until he joined the Navy for World War II, where he served in the South Pacific. He owned his farm in Indiana, sold farm machinery and was a carpenter. The family moved to Croton Dam in 1959 where his Navy buddy for more than 60 years, Wid Starr, lived. He was the Croton Township treasurer for 12 years, on the committee to write the original planning and zoning ordinance in Croton Township. He was a charter member, and helped build the Croton American Legion Post #381 and was a master mason for more than 50 years. He was the secretary treasurer of the Newaygo Co. Fire Chief’s Association for 25 years and a member of the Croton Volunteer Fire Department for 32 years. He went by Jim, Grandpa and Grandpa-Great. Some of his favorite things were country music, mushrooms (he never got enough), warm weather and a little nip of wine now and again. His favorite pastime was woodworking in his workshop. He read the newspaper daily and kept up with current events at home and abroad. He was a carpenter from the time he was a boy and sold wooden lawn ornaments in the front yard. He did his solo flight when he was 20, did photography and made the family Christmas cards starting in the 1950s. He built a travel trailer from the ground up, made close to 100 clocks, and cleared the land and built his earth-berme home when he was in his 60s. He and his friend, Wid, built one of the first pontoon boats on Croton Pond. He had a ready smile for all. He was loyal to home, family, friends and duty to country. He stood for liberty, freedom and was proud to serve Uncle Sam. He had time-honored virtues flowing through his veins and these were the same virtues cherished by his forefathers. Integrity of character meant everything to him, certainly more than wealth of property or any material gain. His last words were, “I think everything is all right.” Yes, it is. The family thanks his friends at Burger King, Croton Bay Trading Post and the American Legion Monday night dinners. They will all miss him. Surviving are his two daughters, Sherry Maurer (and Jim Solberg) and Janis (and spouse Jay) Cornell; four grandchildren, Michael Maurer, Lori (and spouse Chris) Bruggema, Jon (and spouse Missy) Cornell, and James; seven great-grandchildren: Soren, Carle, David, Jenna, Xavier, Ryan and Jaryn; and his cousin, Sue Homsy, Port Clinton, Ohio. Services will be at a later date. ***** In lieu of donations, do a kind deed for someone, and think of him now and again.
