Stephen Earl Jenkins

Stephen Earl Jenkins, 79, of Placerville, California, passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024, surrounded by his family, just five weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.

Steve was born on October 26, 1945, in Pasadena, California, to Lorimer Laverne (Larry) and Norma Szel Jenkins. He graduated from Sierra High School in 1963 and went on to earn a degree in accounting from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1967. He met the love of his life and wife of 52 years, Judith Johns, while at Sierra, and they were married on January 20, 1968. Steve and Judy settled in Hacienda Heights, where Steve began his accounting career at Arthur Andersen. He later went on to serve as Chief Financial Officer for ICN Pharmaceuticals and several other companies throughout his 30+ year career in finance.

Steve and Judy raised two daughters together and shared a love of family, tennis, camping, good food and wine, travel, and weekends at the family cabin in Lake Arrowhead. He was the consummate drill team Dad at football games and dance performances, where his daughters and their friends could always hear him cheering loudly in the stands. Steve and Judy later moved to Oak Park and then to Lake Arrowhead, where he volunteered as a fire spotter and with Meals on Wheels. After Steve’s retirement in 2008, Steve and Judy moved to Placerville, where they immersed themselves in the community and local organizations, including his nearly 15-year tenure as a board member at his beloved Apple Mountain golf course.

Among his many accomplishments, Steve was most proud of his family, and he took loving care of Judy during the last years of her life. He then became a long-term care ombudsman to help other families in similar situations. He was lucky enough to find love again with Gaylen Roe, and together they spent the last several years in non-stop adventure. In his lifetime, Steve visited all 50 U.S. states and more than 50 countries, and always had another trip planned when each vacation ended. Among all the amazing places he had visited, his favorite week every year was the one he spent in Lake Tahoe with his family.

Steve is survived by his younger brother, Richard (Susanne) Jenkins; daughters Karen (Rich) Kramer and Kathryn (Ben) Peters; granddaughters Rachel, Rebecca, Kaitlyn and Kristen; girlfriend Gaylen Roe; and a host of loving in-laws, nieces and nephews. A celebration of life for Steve will be held at Apple Mountain Golf Resort in June 2025. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Senior Nutrition Services of El Dorado County in his memory.

Steve’s laugh and sense of humor were legendary and the centerpiece of every story shared about him, leaving an indelible mark on everyone he met. He was the rock of our family and leaves a legacy of love and laughter for his extended network of family and friends.