Obituary of John S. Hinkle

John "Jack" Hinkle, 86, of Mardela Springs, Md., formerly of Pitman, New Jersey, died Saturday, July 23, 2011 at the home he shared with his son and daughter-in-law and their two daughters. He was born May 5, 1925 in Woodbury, New Jersey, a son of the late John S. Hinkle, Sr. and Blanche Thompson Hinkle. Jack, as he was known to his family and friends, grew up in New Jersey. He was extremely proud of his time served in the US Navy during World War II. After the war he returned home and shared 62 years of marriage with his sweetheart, M. Irene Hinkle. He was a member of Ayres United Methodist Church in Pittsville, Md., and a member of the Pitman Volunteer Fire Department for over thirty years. He retired after almost 30 years of service as a supervisor at Eagle Point Texaco Refinery in New Jersey. He was very industrious, skilled with his hands and always desired to have a job that allowed him to work with his hands. He could build or repair almost anything, leaving his family to sorely miss his handyman skills. He also loved working outdoors and could often be found working in his gardens and landscaping. Jack never met a stranger that he didn't like, and truly loved people, and people in general just loved him as well. He was always willing to lend a hand to someone in need. He is survived by his wife, M. Irene Hinkle; two sons, John Hinkle, Jr. and his wife, Donna of Mardela Springs and David P. Hinkle and his wife, Joann of Lansdale, Pennsylvania; 9 grandchildren, Amy Barber, Daniel M. Hinkle, Jr., Sarah Ann Hinkle, Grace Irene Hinkle, David P. Hinkle, Jr. and his wife, Kelli, Heather Hinkle, Sean Hinkle, Robert Hinkle and Claire Hinkle; 4 great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Edith Kershaw of California and Ginny Constantine and her husband, James of Aurora, Oregon; and a brother, Frank Hinkle and his wife, Libby of San Diego, California. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Daniel M. Hinkle and a brother, Russell Hinkle. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 30th, 2011 at 1:00 pm at Kelley's Funeral Home in Pitman, where family and friends may call from 12-1PM for visitation. The Reverends John Hinkle, Jr. and Donna Hinkle will officiate. Interment will private with close family. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Alzheimer's Association, Julie H.C. Bailey Training Center, 100 S. Main Street, Suite 211, Smyrna, DE 19977.