Gerald Jinks died peacefully at his home with family at 90 years of age, on February 6, 2018.  Gerald was born January 1, 1928 in Morgan, MO, moving to Springfield to attend Senior High School.

Gerald graduated from Springfield Senior High in 1946.  He was a star athlete in football, basketball and baseball.  He was named as the Springfield Public Schools Athlete of the Year 1946 and was a member of the undefeated 10 & 0 Football Bulldogs in 1945.  He was inducted into the Springfield Missouri Softball Hall of Fame in 1977.  He played on many AAA teams, including the Coca-Cola 1951 MO State Championship Team, as well as semi-pro baseball teams.  His high school coach, Bob Vanatta, and he continued a lifetime relationship until Mr Vanatta passed.

He worked as a Coca-Cola route driver, before and after serving in the US Air Force.  He began his 35 yrs with City Utilities when the James River Power plant was built and then  moved to the Southwest Power Plant.

Gerald was the Kiwanis Little League Coach of the Woodpeckers from 1964 thru 1971.  He was a great coach, but also a mentor to all of us.  Each of us on that team have special lifetime memories.

Gerald's joy was being with others.  His weekly activities included, Quarterback Club, Tip Off Club, mall walkers, coffee and lunch buddies, and greeting at Campbell United Methodist Church.

Gerald was preceded in death by the Love of his Life, Fern Marie Jinks, whom he took care of for a number of years.  In addition, son Roger Jinks and sister Betty Sue Blair.

He is survived by brother Tom Jinks of Sevierville TN; son Stan Jinks; granddaughter Jami Debes and Darren Carite; grandson Tyler and Lacey Jinks; great-grandchildren Jacksen Debes, Ella Debes, Adalynn Jinks and Peyton Jinks.

Thank you to the caregivers of Home Sweet Home Care and Good Shepherd Hospice.