David John Tinkham

David J. Tinkham, 93 years of age, passed away at home on August 19, 2024. He was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan by his parents, Lewis and Crystal Tinkham.

David graduated from University of Michigan’s Business Administration School in1955. During his time at Michigan, he played football for 3 years, winning the coveted Scholar/Athlete of the Year award in his senior year. Upon graduation, he joined the United States Coast Guard as a Lieutenant j.g., serving until the end of the Korean War.

Back in Grand Rapids, David went into the real estate business, first as a salesman and then as a business owner and developer. In 1971, after relocating to the Washington, DC area, he served as vice president of the B.F. Saul Company, eventually opening his own real estate development business, operating in Maryland, Washington, DC and Virginia. In 2002, he and his wife, Tommye, moved to Florida into semi-retirement, where he completed one last development, and purchased a shopping center that he owned until his final illness.

Travel was another beacon in his life, and he and Tommye traveled the western world by land, sea and air, enjoying both ancient lands and modern marvels.

David was always interested in and excelled at sports. As a youth, he played championship tennis, coached local teams, and later officiated at Golden Glove events; and was a life member of Congressional Country Club in Washington, DC; he also belonged to Lost City Golf Club in Atlantis, FL, where he won the club golf championship in 2003.

David is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-three years, Tommye Joyce Tinkham, his adored three children by a previous marriage and their spouses: Jeffrey Tinkham ( Kris ), Heather Bowen, and Monte Tinkham ( Denise ), and his much loved stepson, Stephen Vollmer. Also left to mourn him are his grandchildren, Benjamin Tinkham and Max Bowen, and step grandchildren Lauren and Landon. David also leaves many cherished nieces, nephews and their progeny.

Burial will be in the Columbarium at Royal Poinciana Chapel in Palm Beach, FL. A life affirming memorial service will be held as Royal Poinciana Chapel at a later date.