John Francis Zimnox, 58, of Kanawha City, left this life Tuesday, May 3, 2016, at CAMC General Hospital after a sudden illness.
John was born Dec. 22, 1957, in Steubenville, Ohio, the son of the late Walter "Duke" and Genevieve (Zarych) Zimnox. He was also preceded in death by his brother, David. He is survived by his love and wife, Amy S. Haden, whom he married at Christ Church United Methodist; sons, John Walter and his fiance, Brandon Adams, Corey Mitchell, Zane Anthony Zimnox, Wil Conner Sorrells and his fiancee, Marjorie Coy, and Matthew Grayson Sorrells; daughters, Cassie and Meg Sorrells; brother, Dennis Zimnox; sister, Michele Barnes, and brother-in-law, Todd Barnes, of Mingo Junction, Ohio; along with nieces, nephews, cousins of the extended Zimnox-Zarych family and friends who were his family.
He was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church in Kanawha City. John graduated from Steubenville Catholic Central High School in Steubenville, Ohio. In 1980, John graduated from The Ohio State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering. John was a 35-year employee of Dyno Nobel, serving as a sales account manager. He was a member of the International Chili Society, and frequent winner of first place prizes with bragging rights for his renowned green and red chilis. He served on the board of directors for the Mountaineer Chapter of the International Society of Explosives Engineers and was a member of the Society of Mining Engineers, the Explosives and Blasting Stakeholders Committee and the Quarry Stakeholders Committee.
John was a man who protectively loved his family and friends. He had an immense passion for life: cooking, landscaping, dancing, mushroom hunting, wine, holiday decorations and service to his neighborhood, community, church and his work. He helped others by fixing things, listening and giving good counsel. He made this life a joy to those who knew him. A man known for his humor, storytelling, riddles, laughter and teasing. He was a father to many who came into his life, a gentleman, intelligent and kind to all. He will be missed deeply by those who had the honor to know him.
In lieu of flowers, his family requests that all live a life that reflects John's and rejoice that he lived with us.
A Funeral Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 7, at St. Agnes Catholic Church with Father Joseph Augustine officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Harding Funerals & Cremations. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hardingfamilygroup.com. The family requests personal messages in lieu of social media. Harding Funerals & Cremations, 514 50th St. SE, Kanawha City, is serving John's family.
