Dr. John Ingle

Dr. John Ingle died on August 22, 2023, in Gainesville, GA. He was born in Hitchin, England, May 11, 1937, where he spent his childhood. John attended the University of Bristol earning a BS and PhD in Biochemistry. During this time, he played acoustic bass in a jazz group, including performing with the famed clarinetist Acker Bilk. After graduating he went to the USA and returned 8 months later to marry the love of his life, Dr. Caroline Ingle in 1962. They returned to the USA and continued post-doctoral work at Champagne-Urbana and then Purdue. In 1965 they returned to the UK, where John held prominent academic positions, including Research Professor at Edinburgh University and Scientific Advisor to the Agricultural Research Council in London.  Despite living in many different places, John always had a particular affection for his time in Edinburgh, where all three children were born.

In 1982, John brought his family to UGA for a summer sabbatical, and in 1984, the family moved permanently to Wisconsin, where John assumed the role of CEO for Agrigenetics, an early biotech company focused on agriculture. Later, he joined the faculty at UGA, where he held a number of positions throughout the years, including Professor of Biochemistry, Director of Plant Licensing, Director of the Industrial Interface Program and Biotechnology, and Vice President of Research. After formally retiring, John continued his work as a consultant to UGA’s Innovation Gateway. UGA has recognized his leadership and contributions by establishing the John Ingle Innovation in Plant Breeding Awards Scholarship.  

Besides his professional achievements, John was passionately devoted to cultivating many unique and beautiful plants with his wife Caroline, creating gardens that many a passerby has enjoyed. He also shared his musical talents with Lanier Village as a bass player in The Silver Gents.

John is survived by his wife, Caroline, and two daughters, Lisa and Joanne; his son, Nicholas; grandchildren Suzanne, Patrick, Samantha, Ben, Nicholas, and Elliot; and great-grandson, Brooks.

Memorial Park Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com