A native of St.Louis, Missouri, graduate of Webster Groves High School in 1979 and graduate from the University of Phoenix with an Associate of Arts in Information Technology & Networking in 2008, First Sergeant Zinn continues to work towards his BS in Technology.  First Sergeant James E. Zinn joined the United States Marine Corps in June 1980.  Upon completion of Recruit Training from Parris Island, South Carolina in September 1980, he was ordered to 2^nd Marine Division, Lima Company, 2^nd battalion, 11^th Marines. During his tour in 2^nd Marine Division, First Sergeant James E. Zinn deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in support of operations.  During the summer of 1982, First Sergeant Zinn deployed to the Mediterranean with 2^nd battalion, 6^th Marines Infantry Battalion on the USS Saipan (LHA-2).  Upon returning from his 6 month deployment from the Mediterranean, First Sergeant Zinn received orders to Okinawa Japan in 1983 with 3^rd Fleet Service Support Group and was a Mobil Operations Vehicle Combat Instructor known as (MOVC).  From 1980 to 1982 First Sergeant achieved the rank of Sergeant meritoriously in a two year period.

After his tour in Okinawa in 1984, First Sergeant Zinn was reassigned to Camp Pendleton, California, Marine Corps Base Instructor MOVOC Mobility Company. During his short tour of duty at Camp Pendleton, he was reassigned to recruiting duty in April 1985. His three years as a canvas recruiter in Recruiting Sub-Station Orange earned him a meritorious promotion to Staff Sergeant and recruiter of the year.  In 1989 First Sergeant Zinn was reassigned to Camp Pendleton for a one year tour with Fox Company, 1^st Marine Division. In 1990 First Sergeant Zinn was reassigned back to Okinawa Japan for a three your tour with his wife Christina. During his three year tour, First Sergeant Zinn was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Gunny Sergeant while conducting off road combat motorcycles classes for various units in and around Okinawa.

In 1994 he extended his tour for another three years in Okinawa and continued his job as an instructor for Marine Corps Base, Camp Butler, Okinawa, Japan. First Sergeant Zinn was promoted to the his present rank in 1996 and was transferred to the School of Infantry, Camp Pendleton, CA. While serving as the Company First Sergeant of Alpha Company at the School of Infantry, First Sergeant Zinn was the Company First Sergeant of over 300 infantry Marines. In the summer of 1999 First Sergeant Zinn was transferred to Camp Pendleton Air Station and filled the position of Head Quarters and Head Quarters Squadron Sergeant Major. In July of 2000 First Sergeant Zinn retired from the United States Marine Corps with over 20 years of honorable and faithful service.

First Sergeant Zinn’s Awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (2 Award) Navy Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal (6 Awards) Overseas deployment ribbon (7 awards) National Defense Ribbon, Recruiting Ribbon, Meritorious achievements, Unit Commendations, and numerous service and unit awards.

First Sergeant Zinn is married to the former Christina Marie Hernandez of Lakewood, California. They live in Temecula, CA with their daughter, Cherish.