Jess W. Hinkle

Jess W. Hinkle passed away peacefully at home in Winthrop Harbor, May 18, 2017.  He was born June 14, 1932, on a farm in Anadarko, OK.  Mr. Hinkle’s father was of German ancestry and his mother, a Delaware Indian (he often referred to himself as a ‘half breed’).

Mr. Hinkle joined the United States Marine Corps in 1950 after graduating from Chickasha High School, OK.  He briefly served as a rifle coach and was wounded in the Korean War, ultimately awarded the Purple Heart.  He was honorably discharged in 1953 as a sergeant (three stripes) and returned to civilian life.  Mr. Hinkle then attended the University of Oklahoma, finishing in three and a half years having earned a bachelor degree with a major in accounting and minor in business administration.  Ultimately, he worked for Del E. Webb Hotel and Casinos in Las Vegas as accountant, corporate treasurer, and advanced to president and director of operations of Webb hotel/casino complexes consisting of properties in Las Vegas and Reno, NV and several hotels in neighboring states.  Mr. Hinkle ventured from this last position to real estate broker and consultant for hotel/casinos in the USA and overseas, operating from the state of New Jersey as Atlantic City was introducing casinos to the Boardwalk.

Upon retirement, he and his wife moved to her home town area in IL near her family.  He loved being a Christian and being at peace with the fact that he and his wife would one day be in the kingdom of Heaven.  He was a member of North Prairie United Methodist Church, the Marine Corps League Lake County Detachment #801, Disabled American Vets, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

His mother, Lucy, and father, Elmer, sister Gaye Richards and brothers-in-law Robert Butler and George Clawson as well as mother and father-in-law Ethel and Maurice Butler preceded him in death.

Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Sondra (nee Butler), the love of his life; his children Kay Peck of Las Vegas, NV, Jess L. Hinkle (Lisa) of Pawcatuck, CT, and Rhonda K. Welsh of North Pole, AK.  Also surviving are sister Faye (Lowell) Griffith of LaFollette, TN, brothers-in-law Richard (Marty) and James (Judith) Butler, and six grandsons Billy, Bryan, Daniel, Jesse Q., Dylan and Ryan.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am May 24, officiated by Rev. Miguel Nieves, to be held at North Prairie UMC, 5000 W. 9th Street, Winthrop Harbor with visitation one hour prior.