John A Jenkins - Class of 1956

John Arthur Jenkins, passed away on August 18, 2022.  Colonel USA (ret), 85, son of Arthur and Irene Jenkins
Beloved husband of Rosemarie for 63 years, loving devoted father of Thomas M. (Terri) and Ronald J. Jenkins, dear grandfather of 5, (Matthew, Melissa, Jonathan, Thomas and Anthony Jenkins), great-grandfather of 4 (Mason, Alexis, Alyssa and Derrick Jenkins), much loved caring brother of Gwen Dean. Brother in-law Ronald Volandt (Dolores; deceased) and the following deceased: Thomas P. Jenkins, Nancy Reddish (Joe) and Dolores Volandt . Cousin and Uncle too many. He and his wife have lived in the Old Brooklyn area for 62 years.
Born in coal-country Pennsylvania, the oldest of five children growing up in Philadelphia. John joined the service in 1955, first in the Air National Guard, then enlisted in the US Army where he spent 3 years in Germany. It was there that he met his future wife. After returning stateside in 1959 with the rank of Sergeant he moved to Cleveland and transferred to the Ohio National Guard. Within that same year he entered Officer Training Course and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in 1962. He rose through the ranks until promoted to “full-bird” Colonel in 1985. John excelled in all his assignments, displaying great leadership and receiving numerous awards, decorations, commendations and medals for his achievements. He returned to Europe on several occasions assisting NATO with their defense planning. One of his assignments in Ohio was as the Commandant of Camp Perry Joint Training Facility in Port Clinton from 1987 to 1989. He always considered it an honor to serve his country through the military.
He retired from military service in 1992 at age 55. Thereafter becoming active in the 37th Division Veterans Association where he served on the Board of Directors for many years as Chairman of various committees, elected Vice-President and President
In civilian life, most of John’s work was in the Aerospace Industry (Clark Cable Company, Gould Ocean Systems, Rockwell International, Goodyear Aerospace, McDonnell Douglas and The Boeing Company). Retiring from Boeing in 2002 as their Eastern United States Representative For Landing Gear Contracts.
Through these years John also studied and became the first in his family to graduate college with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science from The University of New York.
John enjoyed being involved in the community. He became an avid gardener at Ben Franklin Community Garden who was instrumental in organizing the Garden Committee establishing By-Laws, goals, fundraising for improvements, getting local recognition and participating in other civic endeavors. He also served on the Board of Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation in various capacities.
John participated collecting coins, post cards and toy soldiers in his leisure time.
Family was the most important things to him. Spending time with his family either on a weekend visit or a trip across the country.
“Be productive and stay focused” was his motto and how he tried to live his life
Donations may be made in John’s memory to:
Ben Franklin Community Garden,
c/o Old Brooklyn CDC
4274 Pearl Road, Cleveland, OH 44109
Service at the funeral home, Thursday, August 18, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.  Friends received at RIPEPI FUNERAL HOME, 5762 PEARL RD. (AT SNOW RD.), WEDNESDAY 5-7 P.M. AND THURSDAY 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.