Jo C. Hinkley

Jo Carrigan Hinkley, born August 27, 1958, in New London, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2026, following a brief illness, surrounded by her family.

Jo grew up in Stamford, New York, and later attended Lyndon State College in Vermont, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree and Teacher Certification. She continued her formal studies in 2000 and earned a Master in Education in Curriculum Development and Computer Education from Emporia State University.

On June 26, 1982, Jo married her beloved husband and best friend, Allen Randall Hinkley. Together, they built a life filled with family, friendship, and adventure. They shared a love of traveling, near and far, to visit family and friends and explore new places. Jo’s passion for photography allowed her to capture the wildlife, scenery, and countless special moments along the way, preserving memories of the adventures they shared.

Jo dedicated her professional life to education at Roxbury Central School, where she taught physical education and computer science before becoming Dean of Students. She retired in 2022 after a career defined by her commitment to students and her belief in their potential. For many years, she also served as the school’s drama director, sharing her creativity, energy, and enthusiasm with generations of students.

An avid sports enthusiast and coach, Jo was passionate about helping young people discover not only the joy of competition, but also the values of commitment, perseverance, discipline, and teamwork. She served for many years as an assistant coach of the Roxbury Girls Varsity Softball team and as Head Coach of the Roxbury JV and Varsity Ski teams. Under her guidance, her ski teams earned multiple Section IV championships and academic accolades.

Jo’s contributions to athletics and her lasting impact on the young people she coached were recognized throughout her career. She was inducted into the Section IV Hall of Fame in 2022 and the Delaware League Coaches Hall of Fame in 2025. A trailblazer in her own right, Jo was one of the first female athletes to compete in ski racing following the passage of Title IX. In 2026, she celebrated 50 years with the New York State Ski Racing Association, a milestone that reflected her lifelong love of skiing and the sport she helped shape for generations to come.

Jo’s life was defined by her love of family, dedication to her students and athletes, creativity, adventurous spirit, and enduring love of the outdoors. She gave generously of herself – to her family, her students, her athletes, and her community. The lessons she taught, the memories she created, and the lives she touched will remain with all who knew and loved her. Above all, Jo was devoted to her family. She is survived by her husband, Allen; her brother, Gov Carrigan; brother-in-law, Kenneth Hinkley; her daughters, Nicky Cahill and her husband, Lt. Colonel Matthew Cahill, and Michelle Burtt and her husband, Brett Burtt; and her grandchildren, Beckett Cahill, Parker Cahill, and Connor Burtt. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Cadel Carrigan, Kendall Hinkley, Garret Hinkley, and Julian Osgood.

She was predeceased by her parents, Marty Carrigan and Kathy Carrigan, and her father-in-law, Gary Hinkley.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Plattekill Mountain, Roxbury, NY on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Roxbury Volunteer Fire Department.