John Bert Jinks died peacefully on October 18, 2019.

Bert was born July 20, 1929 in Chipley, Florida to Clarence Leslie Jinks and Dorothy Sue Jinks. The family moved to Panama City, Florida in 1934 when Clarence founded Jinks Lumber Company. Bert attended Bay County Schools and then the Georgia Military Academy (Woodward) in Atlanta, Georgia. He attended the University of Florida where he lettered in track and was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity . At the University he met his wife of 60 years, Jeanne (Jan) Ross. Marrying at graduation, he entered military service as an officer in the US Coast Guard in 1953.

Bert served first in New Orleans, and then in Miami where his oldest son John was born. At the end of his Coast Guard service, Bert and Jan moved permanently to Panama City, Florida, and soon welcomed their second son, Robert.

Bert was actively engaged in the Panama City business community from his arrival until his 80's. First working in the family lumber business, he then started JB Homes and later JB Jinks Construction Company. As a general contractor he built homes, commercial, and institutional structures across the panhandle. A long time member of the Panama City Rotary Club, St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club, Panama Country Club, and the Bay County Chamber of Commerce, he particularly enjoyed serving on the Military Affairs Committee and the Panama City Housing Authority.

Bert was a friend to all, a great father and husband, an avid fisherman and golfer. He loved his community and the water and land around him.

Bert is predeceased by his parents; siblings Clarence Leslie Jinks Jr (Mary Catherine), and Dorothy Sue Parker (Frank) and his wife Jeanne Ross Jinks. He is survived by son John Bert Jinks, Jr (Eleanor McCain); son Robert Ross Jinks (Susie); his granddaughters Elizabeth (Brandon Stewart) and Anna, and great grandsons George and Harrison.

A service with be held at Wilson Funeral Home Saturday, October 26 with visitation at 10:00 and service to follow at 11 a.m. All are welcome to share memories of Bert at the St Andrews Bay Yacht Club after the graveside at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, Bert requested donations be made to the Red Cross Hurricane Michael relief fund.