John Zenda

John Louis Zendejas Sr. was born in Dunsmuir California in 1944. Little is known about John's father's side of the family, but on his mothers side he was equal parts German and English. His Grandfather (Schroll) was a second generation German immigrant. His Grandmother (James) extended from a long line of American heritage. The James family is best known for the old west outlaw Jesse James. Yes, John and Jesse were related. His mother and step father went on to have 3 other children (Anita, Maria, Michael). John's early years were spent helping the family and going to school. The family lived very modestly and to help bring in more money for the family John dropped out of High school prematurely, working with his step father as a day-laborer. At age 18 John joined the Air Force. He served 3 years before being discharged. After the Air Force he moved back to Northern California and became a police officer in Santa Maria. Police work wasn't quite what he was looking for so he quit after