MARDELA SPRINGS - John S. "Jack" Hinkle, 86, of Mardela Springs, formerly of Pitman, N.J., died Saturday, July 23, 2011, at the home he shared with his son and daughter-in-law. He was born May 5, 1925, in Woodbury, N.J., 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 where he was a gifted athlete who excelled on his school's track and field team. 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 long time member of Ayres United Methodist Church in Pittsville and a member of the Pitman Volunteer Fire Department. He retired after almost 30 years of service as a supervisor at a 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 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, Pa.; nine 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; four grea-grandchildren; two sisters, Edith Kershaw of California and Ginny Constantine and her husband, James of Aurora, Ore.; and a brother, Frank Hinkle and his wife, Libby of San Diego, Calif. 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 Friday, July 29, 2011, at 7 p.m. at Blades United Methodist Church in Blades, where family and friends may call from 6 to 7 p.m. The Reverend Bill Nack will officiate. Interment will be at a later date in Pitman, N.J. 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. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home, Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.