John H. Tinsley

John H. Tinsley, 92, of Clearwater, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, he attended Iowa State University for two years before joining the Navy. He was lucky to be stationed in Hawaii and was a Naval Photographer. Upon discharge, he attended Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara and went on to open Joti Photography in Clearwater. Thanks to the studio, he had the great fortune of meeting the love of his life, Kathryn. They were married in 1964 and built the home they resided in for the rest of their lives. He retired from the studio and began making furniture for his home and also for friends and others. John and Kathryn were avid golfers and won many husband and wife tournaments at Cove Cay Country Club. However, John’s real passion was hiking the mountains of Colorado. He looked so forward to summers in Estes Park that he was packed and ready to go as soon as school let out. John and Kathryn had their daughter late in life and were the most amazing, devoted parents. He was always there to help with school projects or coach sports teams. John was a very patient and kind man. He was loved by everyone who knew him, and although he was fairly quiet, he had a lot of great friends. John is survived by his daughter, Kristine Murfin (Matt Murfin), and grandchildren Robert and Maddy Murfin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Marjorie Tinsley, his sister, Eleanor Bacon, and his beloved wife Kathryn. John did not want a service, but memorial donations can be made in his name to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).