This year, Jinks Middle School is celebrating its 75th anniversary, marking a legacy that has shaped generations of students in Bay County. Founded in 1950, Jinks holds the distinction of being the oldest junior high and middle school in both Panama City and Bay County. Built on land donated by Jenks Lumber and named in honor of longtime educator C.L. Jinks, Sr., the school quickly became a cornerstone of the community.
The school’s history is filled with stories of resilience, sacrifice, and progress. In 1953, tragedy struck when Tyndall Air Force Base pilot 2nd Lt. Edwin Gorbet lost his life after steering his failing plane away from Jinks students who were eating lunch outside, ultimately crashing into St. Andrews Bay. The act of heroism left an enduring mark on the school’s story.
Through the decades, Jinks has witnessed milestones in education, from desegregation to pioneering gifted and accelerated programs that paved the way for today’s Cambridge Pre-AICE curriculum. Alumni include notable leaders such as State Senator George Gainer, State Representative Griff Griffitts, former Panama City Beach Mayor Phillip Griffitts, and former Clerk of Bay County Court Harold Bazzel. More recently, Congressman Jimmy Patronis, a Panama City native, has joined their ranks, another example of how Jinks has nurtured public servants.
Jinks has also shown resilience in the face of adversity. After Hurricane Michael devastated Bay County in 2018, its campus became a temporary home for Bay High School students, ensuring education continued despite widespread destruction. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jinks adapted again, leading the way in distance learning.
Athletics and tradition remain strong, with multiple county football championships and more than 85 student-athletes earning scholarships since the mid-1980s. Beloved faculty, such as Coach Sue McKinney, who has served more than 40 years at Jinks, add to its legacy.
As Jinks Middle School celebrates 75 years, students, alumni, and the community come together to honor its history while looking ahead to the future.
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