A resident of Doña Ana County for 46 years, John Zimmerman understands, respects and appreciates the uniqueness of Southwestern New Mexico, its diverse cultures and the people who live here. John has the necessary education, experience and ability to be of service and benefit to communities in Doña Ana, Sierra & Grant Counties as Representative of House District 39.
As a young boy, John truly learned the value of hard work. His father died when he was two years old. He assumed the responsibilities of the man of the house at quite a young age, assisting with financial support of his family by taking odd jobs. He picked cotton, delivered newspapers and worked as a laborer for the City of Roswell while attending school. Deeply committed to his family, John was instilled with a strong work ethic early in life--one he still carries with him today.
After a six-year enlistment in the U.S. Navy, John moved to Las Cruces and enrolled at NMSU. While attending the university, he joined the Navy Reserve and worked at White Sands Missile Range as a Missile Test Engineer.
As an engineer, John's duties included the oversight of the annual multi-million dollar budgets and the direction and orchestration of Smart Submunitions, missile and rocket testing, working at WSMR for 32 years.
As a Commanding Officer for 13 years in six Naval Reserve units, John was mobilized to serve in Bosnia and Kosovo as a Communication Air Operations Officer. During Operation Enduring Freedom in 2002-2003, he served one year as a Communication Liaison Officer to Friendly Forces in the Persian Gulf, completing 42 years of service to his country.
Even as John's career responsibilities took him to all corners of the world, he always valued coming home to New Mexico. “Serving our country abroad really helped me appreciate the freedoms we enjoy and the beautiful country we live in.”
Building upon the foundation of deep commitment and his strong work ethic, John now seeks to direct his experience and energy toward service as your House Representative in District 39. “As your Representative, my top priorities are to focus on the needs of Doña Ana, Sierra, and Grant Counties to create private sector jobs, improve educational opportunities for our youth, and improve state government services. My experience as a manager, engineer, naval officer, as well as my ability to work with people of diversified backgrounds, has prepared me to serve you, the people in our state.”
John and his wife Mary have six children, ten grandchildren and are actively involved with their family. Volunteering in their community and being active in their church are important aspects of their lives.