John Hilton (Jack) Hotchkis, son of Daniel Stewart and Ada Louisa Hotchkis was born on 1 August 1916, the eldest of five children. He was educated at Wollongong High School. He enlisted in the Australian Army during World War Two on 5 June 1940 and rose to the rank of Sergeant. At discharge on 29 December 1944 he was serving in the 2/4 Field Ambulance.

Jack became an Engineer at the Coalcliffe Colliery (where his father had also worked). It was during 1964 that he saw Stan Arneil on television advocating the development of the credit union movement. Jack Hotchkis shared the credit union message with colleagues Sylvester Cairney, Harry Hill, Robert Kelly Cyril Brownjohn and George Johnston, who were amongst those to become the first Board members and officers when the Coalcliff Collieries Employees' Credit Union Ltd was registered in October 1964.

Jack Hotchkis became the first member of the credit union and Secretary of the foundation Board that met for the first time on 14 February, 1965. It was a humble start and the credit union records were apparently maintained at the homes of Cyril Brownjohn and Jack Hotchkis and the Board met in a shed behind the Hotchkis home in Thirroul.

Jack Hotchkis resigned as Secretary on 21 May 1967 but assisted Treasurer George Johnston for many years. He continued to serve on the Board until 1973.

Jack Hotchkis was also a life member of the St John Ambulance Association of NSW for which he conducted first aid classes and gave lectures and was presented with a Certificate of Merit for his services by the Governor of NSW, Sir Eric Woodward in 1964

Jack Hotchkis died on 27 December 1974.