John (J.D.) Kinn is a lifelong resident of Seneca County with a distinguished career in business and a deep commitment to his community. While attending The Ohio State University, he worked for the Ohio Historical Society and later for the Continental Insurance Company. In 1968, he joined his father’s real estate and insurance agency, marking the beginning of a decades-long professional journey.
Early in his career, J.D. was named Sales Associate of the Year by the Ohio Association of Realtors, recognizing his success in real estate. Over the years, he became co-owner of several local businesses, including Kinn & Theobald Agency Inc., Kinn & Theobald Realty Inc., Business or Pleasure Travel Agency Inc. and Doug’s Tavern. He also farmed for 15 years and was co-owner of Majestic Golf Club and a condominium development in Southwest Florida.
As the insurance agency grew, it expanded to include offices in Fostoria, Port Clinton, Sandusky and Wood Counties. J.D. later partnered with friendly competitors to create a regional property and casualty and employee benefits agency, which eventually grew to include 18 offices across Northwest Ohio. That firm was later acquired by a bank, and J.D. continued working with the company – later Hylant Insurance – until his retirement in 2023 at the age of 79.
In his spare time, J.D. is an avid student of Ohio history and has participated in both prehistoric and historic archaeological excavations through partnerships with local colleges. He has authored more than a dozen short articles for a regional archaeology publication.
He is active in several charitable organizations, is a member of a local trout club and previously served as a member of Tiffin University’s Board of Counselors. In 2025, he was appointed to the Tiffin University Board of Trustees.
J.D. and his wife, Susie, have been married for over 59 years and have two children.