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In memory of
John W. Jenkins
March 1, 1951 - October 23, 2019
Mar 1, 1951 - Oct 23, 2019
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John's obituary
Woody was born in Baltimore, Maryland in March 1951. He was just a teenager when he met the love of his life, Debbie, but those tender feelings towards her intensified at Debbie’s sweet sixteen party. Woody was the lead singer of his band, “Treebeard”, which was the entertainment performing at Debbie’s parent’s home. Although he didn’t own a car, Woody would often visit Debbie, walking or hitch hiking his way back and forth to see her. Their relationship blossomed and Debbie and Woody became engaged.
Woody was a hardworking teenager who realized early on that he had to seize opportunities when offered. He loved sports as much as he loved singing and playing his guitar. He excelled in baseball, basketball and racquetball. He won numerous semi pro tournaments in the singles and doubles divisions with one of his best friends, Paul Desaulniers. Woody also won a prestigious baseball scholarship to Cardinal Gibbons High School, which offered him a great educational experience.
On October 17, 1970, Debbie and Woody were joined in marriage at the Halethorpe-Relay United Methodist Church, in Halethorpe, Maryland. Debbie, a talented seamstress, sewed her bridal gown and the dresses of her bridesmaids. No matter where they moved, Woody always made sure that he provided her a sewing room for her where she created many outfits and costumes for their children and grandchildren.
Very young and newly wedded, Woody set down roots for his family by opening a Carvel Ice Cream store. In 1972, Debbie and Woody welcomed their first child Justin, born in March 27, 1972, followed by their daughter Heidi in August 9, 1973.
A young entrepreneur, Woody succeeded in his early twenties in becoming the youngest sales manager for a Mercedes Benz, Porsche and Audi dealership, follow by opening his own highline car dealership in Los Angeles. He was remarkably skilled at closing deals and always making customers feel welcome and satisfied with their purchases.
Opportunity knocked again when Woody intercepted a phone call from a businessman who sold airplanes. His interest piqued, which led to an opportunity to sell private business jets for one of the industry leaders in McLean, Virginia. He dedicated over forty years in the corporate aircraft business. At the time of his passing, Woody worked with his son Justin at Jet Evolution. In an industry fraught with high level competition, Woody met with prominent executives, business owners, CEOs, heads of state and other prominent officials or celebrities, but was generous enough with his time to guide other aircraft sales professionals in their careers. He traveled throughout the world and negotiated transactions for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Formula One champion Michael Schumacher, and to Milton Eisenhower, the president of Johns Hopkins University and the brother of former President Dwight David Eisenhower, to name a few.
Woody was reliable, delivered on his promises, and he made friends all over the world. His son Justin and grandchildren follow in his footsteps in a storied and fascinating career. His family cherishes his generosity, thoughtfulness and his abundant enthusiasm for everyone he ever met.
Woody was a devoted father to his children. His love of baseball reemerged when he coached his daughter’s warm-ups practices for her softball team at Oakton High School, which led to the national championships. He also coached his son’s basketball team. The family often went on ski trips in Colorado, gravitating to his favorite resort, Beavercreek. He continued with his love of music and sports throughout his life.
Woody never forgot his roots. Over the years he gave generously to his Catholic elementary school, Our Lady of Victory. The school was able to construct a science and technology addition thanks to his thoughtful and generous donations. He opened his home for his mother-in-law and other family members for many years since family meant everything to him.
John was predeceased by his parents, John W. Jenkins, II and Catherine Ann Kleszczynski and his brother Jeffrey W. Jenkins. He is survived by his wife, Deborah “Debbie” Kelley Jenkins, his son Justin Jenkins, his daughter Heidi Jenkins, his sisters Rosie Caulder and Andrea Timko, his mother-in-law, Dorothy Kelley, his niece Casey Caulder, his nephew Jason Caulder, his grandchildren, JC Jenkins, Harlan Deborah Freidman-Jenkins, Matthew Leonard-Morgan and Sophie Kopacz.
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In lieu of flowers
Please consider a donation to John Jenkins Memorial Fund.
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In lieu of flowers
Please consider a donation to John Jenkins Memorial Fund.
$4,925.00
of $1 goal
Recent contributions
Recent contributions
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