John Durant Zinser

John Durant Zinser, age 96, of Novi, Michigan formerly of Carmel, Indiana, passed away on August 15, 2025. He was born on February 4, 1929 in Peoria, Illinois; son of Clayton and Virginia (Durant) Zinser. He was united in marriage to Suzanne Shafter on February 13, 1954; dedicating over 71 years to each other.

He moved with his family to Birmingham, Michigan in 1940. He spent most of his life in Carmel, Indiana before relocating to Novi, Michigan in 2019 to be closer to family. Jack, as he was known by family and friends, graduated from Baldwin High School in Birmingham, Michigan, class of 1947. He continued his education at the University of Michigan where he earned a bachelors degree in history. At U of M, he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

Jack proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean War, 1952-1956, serving on Cruisers and Carriers in the Pacific. He founded the Jack Zinser Company, a manufacturer’s representative agency he grew through hard work, integrity, and strong relationships. He retired in 1997.

An active member of Orchard Park Presbyterian Church in Carmel, Indiana from 1965 to 2019, he served as a Decon, Elder, and director of youth church camp. He attended First United Methodist Church of Northville with family throughout the years when visiting for holidays and after moving to Novi.

Jack pursued two lifelong passions: woodcarving and golf. A gifted woodcarver, he created everything from detailed figurines to handmade pens, often envisioning a piece and then carving it from memory. One of the most meaningful projects was creating over 60,000 miniature wooden crosses he called “A Cross In Your Pocket”, which he joyfully gave away along with a poem. Jack was an avid golfer. He was a member of Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel, Indiana, where he played for more than 40 years, especially enjoying rounds five days a week during retirement. His dedication to the sport earned him five hole-in-ones and took him on many memorable golf trips to Scotland, Ireland, England, Spain, and Portugal with his wife and friends.

Family was always Jack’s greatest priority. He coached his sons’ Carmel Dads Club baseball and basketball teams, and served as a Boy Scout leader for Troop 124 and Cubmaster of Pack 124. Jack and Sue sat on many a bleacher in support of sons Tom and John’s activities, including football, wrestling, and band at Carmel and Purdue. His unwavering devotion to those he loved was evident in all he did. Jack will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jack is survived by his wife Sue; his sons, Tom (Lacey) Zinser and John (Carol) Zinser; his grandchildren, Katherine (Chris) West, Kristine Zinser, Heather (Chris) Warnick, and Brian (Joanna) Zinser; his step granddaughters, Chelsea (Nerio) Bracho and Lauren (Jeremy) Bell; his great grandchildren, Bradford, William, Calvin, Tyler, and Charlie; and his step great grandchild, Corrina. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Janet Bilby.

A memorial service will be held in the fall at the First United Methodist Church, 777 West 8 Mile Road, Northville, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice.