The Man, The Myth, The Legend, The Teacher, The Dad
Jim Pinkerton, 84, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away on July 13, 2018. He was born on October 7, 1933, in Kingman, Kansas, to Clifford and Marie (Yarberry) Pinkerton. He was one of four children ... brother to Barbara, Jerry and Linda.
He married the love of his life, his "Little Honey", Rebecca "Joan" Allen, on October 17, 1954. She preceded him in death on March 20,2015. Together they raised two daughters. He was the loving father, protector and teacher to Cindy Stapp (she thinks she was his favorite daughter) and Kathy Erickson (who also thinks she was his favorite). His sons-in-law, Lee Stapp and Dana Erickson don't worry about the details ... they both know that they were loved and respected equally by their father-in-law. He has six grandchildren, 4 great- grandchildren and one great-great grandchild (don't get them going on who was his favorite; he loved them all very much). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Jim and Joan also had two "honorary" family members, Kenton Stegman and Jake McGhee. Both former students, who Jim loved and respected a great deal.
He graduated from Meade (KS) High School in 1951. He went on to graduate from Pueblo College of Colorado in 1961. In between high school and college he served in the U.S. Army at Fort Rucker, Alabama, from October 1953 through October 1956. During his service he honed his mechanical skills as an aircraft mechanic.
'Mr. P.' was the highly regarded Vocational Automotive teacher at General William Mitchell High School from 1964 until his retirement in 200 I. During those years, he and his students won numerous awards, too many to count. They participated in, and won, many local and national Plymouth Trouble Shooting Contests. They also succeeded in winning numerous challenges while participating in VICA, Vocational Industrial Clubs of America. 'Pink' was also a great friend and mentor to his fellow teachers. The following is a recent quote from his former Principal, Delia Armstrong Busby.
"Jim Pinkerton was a master educator who ran an award winning Auto Program at Billie Mitchell High School for decades. He heightened his classroom expertise with his ability to model and teach integrity, pushing appropriately for accountable behaviors. The mold is broken now." Four years into his teaching career, he was honored by being selected to appear in the 1968 edition of Outstanding Young Men of America.
Our family will never be able to express the gratitude we have for the excellent care he was given at the Healthcare Resort. We would like to give special thanks to Lilly "The Dad Whisperer", who is a CNA at the facility. They were a match made in heaven. We will also never be able to express our thanks to the staff at New Century Hospice. The care and compassion that was given to our father was exceptional. Specific acknowledgment goes to Lilli Love, RN (who totally embodies her name) from New Century Hospice, another match made in heaven. Our family will be eternally grateful that he was blessed with Lilly and Lilli. A special thanks also goes to Hope, at Swan - Law Funeral Directors, who took such gentle and respectful care of our father and our family.
In lieu of flowers, tune up your car and check the air pressure in your tires. If your car is in perfect running condition, donations may be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital.
A celebration of his life will be held from 2-4 PM on Sunday, September 23, 2018 at The Cordera
Community Center,
11894 Grand Lawn Circle, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
"I am prepared to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter." Winston Churchill.
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