John Francis Hinkey, 80, of Valparaiso, passed away on November 22, 2024. He was born July 24,1944 to Francis and Helen Hinkey in Ottawa, Illinois. After graduating from Ottawa Township High School, John attended Valparaiso University where he studied history, played basketball from 1962 -1966, and met the love of his life, Pat. After earning his Masters in Education at Northern Illinois University in 1967, John began his teaching career at Boone Grove High School. In his 38 years in education at Boone Grove, John taught government, economics, history, physical education and health and spent many summers teaching driver's education alongside his dear friend, John Henderson. In addition to his teaching career, John also coached varsity boys basketball for 17 years in a gym, which is now dedicated in his name.
While John had only one child, Mark, he was a father figure, brother, friend, and mentor to many. He was committed to his family, friends, and faith and was an active member of his community. You could spot John rooting for VU as a season ticket holder or helping a friend with a home improvement. In fact, around this time, we’d expect to see John preparing the Immanuel Lutheran Church for the great Christmas tree arrival. John was a quality craftsman who completed considerable projects around his home, but whose talents also touched the lives of others through several trips to rebuild homes after Hurricane Katrina. He was always willing to lend a hand, a tool, or advice to any who may need it and was steadfast in making sure the job was complete with great attention to detail.
John was a prolific reader and was always within arm's reach of a good book and remained active through cycling, golf, and numerous adventures in travel with his wife and friends. From spotting polar bears in Churchill to bouncing around in a tuk-tuk in Thailand, John was an avid traveler and sought new experiences to learn more which he would then share in fantastic stories with his family and friends. Perhaps one of the places he loved and frequented most was nestled in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, where he’d enjoy cherry pie from the Norske Nook each summer, endlessly tow laughing children on floats and skis, and watch the loons land across Spider Lake while sitting atop the old boathouse.
In addition to his wife of 57 years, Pat, John is survived by his sister, Jane (Husband, Don) Walter; son, Mark (wife, Meg); two grandchildren, Eleanor and Charlotte; brother and sister-in-law, Will and Marcy Busse; and nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Visitation will be held on December 7, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Immanuel Lutheran Church 1700 N. Monticello Park Drive, Valparaiso, with a Memorial Service beginning at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Impact Group at Immanuel Lutheran Church, The Renew and Rejoice Project at Immanuel Lutheran Church, or The Porter Township Foundation.
GUESTBOOK
Prayers to the family. I graduated from South Central High School class of 1981. I remember his teams always hustled, were well prepared and always full of class. He was truly a coaching icon. We always knew it would be a tough game but looked forward to playing. What a classy man! Sorry for your loss. I hope to see him someday on the hardwood courts in heaven! -Nathan Howell
Sorry for your loss. John was a great person. He helped Drew many times with encouraging words. -Margaret Metzger
John will be very missed by us and the many friends he has accumulated over his lifetime. We have vacation together, played many rounds of golf and spent many happy days and evenings in his company and with Pat. A good man-a well lived life. God bless him. Sincerely, -Paul & Carole Griffith
So sad to hear this news. High school was a wonderful part of my life, and Mr. Hickey was a huge part of it. BGHS Class of 1980. I was student of his, T/A for 2yrs for P.E. class, and was a student manager for the varsity boys basketball team for 2yrs. Great mentor, and an event greater man. He will absolutely be missed by all. -Ricky Lockard
My deepest sympathies on the loss of a great teacher, basketball coach and kind human being. Boone Grove High School, class of 1990. -Dan Podobinski
I was a student of Mr. Hinkey at Boone. First as a SS student, then as an intrepid driver in his driver’s education class and car. I became a teacher myself and would see him not only at conferences, but out on the golf course with Mr. Henderson. Two fantastic educators. Mr. Hinkey made a great impact on me as a student. He was kind, he was approachable and he was a wonderful human being. I’m so very sorry to hear of his passing. Please know that John influenced so many of us that passed through his classroom. RIP. -Ruth Lavery
My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of grief. -Julie Cargill
The coach wore many hats during his time at Boone Grove. I was fortunate to spend several of my school years with him. Starting with the duo tandem of him and another favorite of mine John Henderson during summer driving education. Then of course his classes were always a joy to be part of and see the dedication he had to all his students. The highlight was being on the varsity boys’ basketball team. Many memories from the practices, the home games against our rivals that would fill the gym with so many fans. The local tournaments we played throughout the season, the PCC was my favorite. John was a main contributor in helping my father George start the Athletic Booster Club that provided funds for teams such as uniforms that were old and dated from many years past. The most memorable moment with him would be the 1983 basketball team. We were an exceptional group with several outstanding players that went on to win the school's first sectional title at Kankakee Valley gym. I can remember us in the locker room listening to coach reinforcing how we could win this game for the team and all the fans. Us against the world he said as the fans shook the locker room in their cheers for us before the game. The coach was a special person, he changed me and so many lives during his lifetime. Pat and Mark, my deepest sympathies in your loss, what a wonderful person he was. Boone Grove Class of 1984. -Sean Pence
John was a roommate, a fraternity brother, a basketball teammate under Coach Bartow. We shared many fun times at Valpo on the basketball court, the Phi Delt house, and at 252. His passing was truly a shock. John was a man of faith, and we know we'll see him again. Our prayers are with Pat and Mark. -Steve & Pat Cook
Coach Hinkey is a great man and mentor to me. Had the honor of having him as my teacher and coach. Played for him in HS and was a part of the 1983 BG Basketball sectional team. He was such a great competitor no matter if it was golf or basketball or the game of life. Will be missed RIP Coach. -Gary Steinhilber
