Kathleen Joyce (Kay) Jinkerson, a finance administrator in the Office of Technology Management (OTM), died Sunday, Jan. 2, 2005, in a car accident near Union, Mo. She was 40.
A University employee for nearly 16 years, Jinkerson previously worked for the Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, as well as the Office of Student Activities.
“Kay combined a joyous love of life with a determined professionalism,” said Tom Hagerty, manager of operations and marketing.
“She was always taking courses in a wide range of areas to improve not only her work situation but also her mind in general.
“Whether she was talking about fishing and camping or delinquent accounts receivable, she brought the same level of enthusiasm and ‘can-do’ attitude. All of us have lost a dear friend who made our life’s journey a little brighter.”
Jinkerson taught kickboxing classes, loved country music and dancing, hunting, fishing, camping, the beach, Cardinals baseball games, Rams football games and weekly Taco Bell lunch with the girls.
She also always made time a couple times a year to gather clothing to donate to a local women’s shelter, recalled some of her co-workers. She was a very giving and caring person. She had a great love for all her family and friends.
“Kay Jinkerson was the central focus of our income receipt and distribution enterprise at the OTM,” said Michael G. Douglas, Ph.D., associate vice chancellor in the OTM. “She touched the lives of every investigator with whom we work through these responsibilities.
“Her professionalism and warmth as a member of Washington University administration were highly valued by all of us every day we had the privilege to work with her. Her absence is, and will continue to be, felt by all of us, even the investigators who have never met her.”
Survivors include her husband, Terry; son Jesse; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Covenant House, 2801 Itaska St., St. Louis, MO 63111; or The Lance Armstrong Foundation, P.O. Box 161150, Austin, TX 78716.