Jerry Tinkey passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday afternoon,
October 25, 2026, in Alton, Illinois. He was born to Arnold M. Tinkey and Edythe Ellis
Tinkey Grover on October 15, 1933, in Keokuk, Iowa. Jerry was preceded on his next journey by his parents and his stepfather, George E. Grover, and Genevieve, his beloved wife of 64 years upon her passing in 2021.
Jerry was known as many things in his life: Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Papa, Friend, Pilot, Captain, President…but he could be best described as the personification of the American Dream. Jerry grew from humble beginnings in the small river town of Hamburg, Illinois, where he lost his father at a young age. His love of the river developed as he lived like the real-life Tom Sawyer—hunting, fishing, and making mischief on the banks of the Mississippi.
After graduation from high school, Jerry signed up as a deck hand on a towboat, and his rise through the river industry began. He quickly moved to First Mate, Pilot, and Captain. Although he ultimately became the President of Mid-America Transportation Company, he took great pride in the title of Captain. His office displayed a sign that said “The Captain Is Always Right,” and he certainly believed in that motto!
Jerry and Genevieve (Gen) Poore were married in 1957 and became inseparable. They shared a love of family, golf, and happy hour (an absolute requirement to attend when visiting their home!). The only thing Jerry was bad at was…retiring. He was lured back to work as Vice President of Operations for Ingram Barge Company, then again as an instructor at the Seaman’s Church Institute for Maritime Education. He also worked quite often as an expert witness in cases involving river activities. His incredible work ethic, unquestioned honesty, and appreciation of his fellow workers made him an inspiration to everyone he encountered.
Jerry is survived by his daughters, Pamela (John) Thiel of Phoenix, AZ, and Traci (David) Hopkins of Godfrey, IL; his grandchildren Faith (Kip) Robinson, Henry Thiel, Grace (Kyle) Morrow, Capt. Matthew (Nanako) Hopkins, Joseph Thiel, and Annie Thiel; great grandchildren Graham Robinson and Genevieve Robinson; and brother, Arnold Michael Tinkey of Lake St. Louis, MO.
Although Jerry’s surroundings and place in life changed dramatically over his 93 years, he remained the same unassuming person. He was an avid reader of history, and had a great appreciation for the sacrifices of previous generations. His birthday cards (written using a ruler so the lines would be perfectly straight!) stressed how he valued hard work and dedication.
It is only fitting that at the time of his passing, the Towboat M/V Jerry Tinkey was hard at work, moving a full load of barges up the Tennessee River.
“He stood a good watch.”
A private service for family will be held on Saturday, October 31, in Hamburg, Illinois