Jerry Tinkle

Jerry L. Tinkle, 84, of Mansfield, Texas, went to be with the Lord on January 19, 2025, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's Disease.

Born on January 8, 1941, in Gary, Texas, Jerry was the son of Stephen Bernard and Maurine Tinkle. Growing up on a "truck patch farm in East Texas," he embraced his humble roots and often shared stories of his childhood and teenage years with those around him. His pride in his heritage and family remained a defining aspect of his life.

Jerry graduated from Gary High School and pursued higher education at Panola Junior College on a vocal scholarship. He later earned a bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. His professional journey began with The Hartford Insurance Company in Dallas, where he worked as an insurance adjuster. After several months on the job, he was called into the police department and questioned about the number of traffic violations he had received. It was only then that he discovered that Dallas was chocked full of one-way streets. He had never heard of such a thing! He then realized that some streets were much more treacherous than others but had no idea it was because he was driving in the wrong direction. Adjusting his routes, he enjoyed a long, successful career. Over the course of 38 years, Jerry advanced through various roles-including office manager and claims mediator-while relocating to several cities. Despite his many accomplishments, he humbly referred to himself simply as "an adjuster."

A man of diverse interests, Jerry was an avid golfer and a skilled Dominoes 42 player. He was also a devoted reader who particularly enjoyed *Lonesome Dove* and sang tenor in the church choir. Above all else, Jerry cherished his role as a family man. He and his wife, Jean, delighted in hosting friends and family in their home, creating countless treasured memories over the years. Jerry found immense joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren through activities such as fishing, gardening, and building projects. The activity carried less importance than the company. If a grandchild was on the premises when it happened, they were credited with the result. One of his favorite traditions was maintaining a growth chart for his grandchildren in his garage, faithfully measuring them each year.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Jean Tinkle; brothers Patrick (Jeanette) Tinkle and Mike (Rhonda) Tinkle; daughters Jennifer Slusher and Amy (Frank) Close; stepchildren Randy Hammontree, Donna (Kevin) Logeais, and Lisa Starnes; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his sister Janice Britton; brother Rodney Tinkle; and his son Stephen Carl Tinkle.

A memorial service will be held on February 22 at 2:30 p.m. at Trinity Grace Church, located at 1200 Clover Hill Road in Mansfield, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association North Central Texas Chapter at https://www.alz.org/northcentraltexas.

Jerry's legacy is one of humility, love for family, and an enduring connection to his roots. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.