My Dearest Son, 
 One year ago today at 6:20 AM, I remember leaning down and whispering in your ear, go home son be with GOD…and you did.  The rest of the day I must admit, was a haze…a haze of disbelief, pain, loss, and great sorrow.  I wondered why GOD would do this to our family, to my daughter in law Lyn, to my beautiful granddaughter Chloe, to your mini-me Ansen, to your sister Brandy, to your brother Chance, to your friends, to your family…TO ME!!! My first born, my best friend, MY SON.  The last night as I stayed with Lyn and you, and watched, memories running through my head, it was like a movie…but it was OUR life.
 Lyn gave me the letter you wrote to me, and I realized after reading it, that I was not able to tell you all the things that I NEVER THOUGHT I would say to you, I never dreamed you would leave this world before me.  I KNOW you're in Heaven, and I KNOW I will see you again, it is the only thing that has kept my sanity the past year, knowing I will see you again.  But also the past year, I have reflected on all the ways that you touched my life bud..Bud…you were that and more.
 Thank you seems so inadequate for what you did for me my son.  YOU taught ME how to love unconditionally! YOU taught me the meaning of being a Dad; YOU taught me that frankly it was not all about me.  I was not there to hold you when you were first born, but I was there to hold you when you left.  Sometimes I regret deeply the times I had to be away from you, but I believe that it helped shape you and I as well, teaching us that distance did not matter, love mattered most!  You told me in the letter, that you thank me for being the best dad you could ever have wanted…Son, you exceeded my expectations with the man YOU BECAME, the husband you were, and the DAD you were.  Watching you become the man you were, proudest Dad in the world right here.  
 The hardest part about this past year, not hearing your voice during the conversations we would have…especially during the football season!  Must admit that this past season, there was no interest in it for I knew there would be no phone calls.  Did not realize that the way I ended our phone calls “Love you Bud” would be missed so much…one phrase, that's all…just one phrase.  Oh son, the power of that one phrase, you honestly taught me the meaning of that phrase.  
I will always remember the look on your face when we were at Wolfson's in the NICU seeing Chloe that first day…and you reaching out and touching her finger…the look on your face, I knew then that that was the look I had every day of your life when I looked and thought of you…and you were finally feeling that unconditional love that only occurs when you look at a part of you!  
I will not lie Mike, for a while after you went to be with God, I did not know if I was going to make it.  The pain and hurt inside was more than I thought I could handle.  Going to Osteen's for your birthday, looking at your son, my grandson eat shrimp with as much love as you and I have for it…it was like looking at you that day, remembering ….always seems like I am remembering. 
The gaping hole in my heart that I never thought would heal is slowly closing…but instead of forgetting anything my son, it is closing those memories in so that I treasure each one more and more. If I could ask God for one thing my son it would be for me to say “Love You Bud” and hear you answer me again “Love You To Dad.”  But on this day, as I reflect back, I would like to thank you for the things that you left me…you left me a wonderful daughter.  She is not just a daughter in law, she is my daughter, I am a blessed man to have two.  She is a remarkable person as you very well know Mike, and her strength and love are utterly remarkable.  You lucked out like I did, and discovered a love so pure and strong, that it made you a better person, a better man, and a better human.  You left me with the world's most beautiful Granddaughter.  Oh she is going to be a handful…but she has me wrapped around her finger, just like she wrapped you around hers that day in the NICU.  She has the best of you and the best of Lyn inside her my son, and she is going to grow up to be just like her daddy…a great person.  You left me with a mini-you…Ansen.  I look at him and see you…parts of you that well blow me away.  You left me knowing in this world, I may not have done all the correct things, but I did three things correctly, love you, Brandy, and Chance to the best of my ability, I love my children unconditionally, and I gave and give everything I can to let them know that love.  You taught me this past year, that it isn't the quantity of time that you have with a person, but the quality of time that you get to be with that person. 
I made it through the first year Mike, and I will make it until I get to be with you again.  But on this day my son…Love you Bud.  And Thank You for the greatest gift…love.

Dad

Mike, I am thinking of you on Father's Day today and I know that you are with Grandpa as well. You're missed deeply. RIP my precious Son. 
Mom

Mike, today is Father's Day and I miss you. I had a great time yesterday with Lyn, Chloe, and Ansen. I wish we could have talked but I know you were there. Someday I will get to see you again. I miss you so much. 
Dad

Rest in peace Mike, your job here was done. You touched so many lives, left so many smiles. In you I met a devoted son, exceptional father, and loving husband. Lyn, Chloe, and Ansen are in great hands. God and Mike will always watch over you.

Mike, you are in my thoughts.  It has been 3 months since you left this world.  You are loved and missed my pecious son.
Love, Mom

Mike, today would have been your 37th birthday. You were a precious angel born at 3:26 a.m. on this day.  It was just you and me for the first six weeks after you were born and I felt we had a special bond from that moment.  You grew into a fine young man, husband and father. I am very proud of all of your accomplishments.  And I know you are making them proud in heaven today. You brought alot of joy into my life and I remember you as a baby...your 1st word was Ma-ma, your first tooth, your first step when you learned to walk and your first day in school and so much more. You did so well in all you set out to do. I will always love and remember you.  RIP my dear Son.
Love, 
Mom

Mike, Thinking of you today.  I love you.

Love, Mom (Sandy)
Lakeland, Fl

I love you son. You are in my thoughts each passing day. Deb and I will be driving up to see Lyn in the near future as she has many pictures to share with us. 
Love,
Mom

Mike I love you so much I so glad we had the cookout that we had I will never forget that day. You are the best big brother a girl could ask for. I will miss you forever.

My son.  I will not be able to hold you in my arms or hear your voice again however, I will always have my memories of the times we had together.  I will remember the Jaguars game we watched together and the dinners we had together at Osteen's.  I will remember you on your big wheel, playing GI Joe, and watching you play ball.  Mike I love you so much.  I am sorry I did not tell more often.
Mike you did so much in your short life and you made me proud.  Words cannot express how proud I am of you.  It is an honor to call you my son.  I miss you more than anything.
Mike I was there when you went to be with GOD.  I saw the peace that came over you once I told you to go to GOD.  I saw you comeback to say goodbye to Lyn and then you left this world and started to your work in heaven.  
The kind words of all your friends here and at your funeral has warmed my heart.  To see the number of people that you touched made me even more proud of you.  Mike because of you I have my first and only granddaughter and my second grandson and I also have a beautiful and loving second daughter not a daughter in law.  
Lyn we have talked and cried together.  I have no words to ease your lost.  However, I know Mike loved you more than anything in this world.  Chole your dad loved you so much you were his little girl and they hold a special place in a dad's heart.  Ansen your dad was so proud of you a dad always looks to a son to carry on his name and the things that he has done.
Dad

Lyn, I am glad we all got to talk last night. And, I am sorry you lost Mike, your husband and the father of your children. May you find comfort in all of the good memories of him. I am glad he is at peace and is not in pain. I believe his spirit was there when I entered his hospital room that early Thursday morning and that he knew I was  there and that I loved him and I always will. He is a blessed angel with mighty wings and will always be with us. You are in our prayers. May Mike RIP. God bless you, Chloe and Ansen.
Sandy (mother) and Debbie

Lyn, Chloe and Anson - Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.  Please accept our heat felt sympathy,  Mike is now in a place of peace and comfort with Jesus.
We knew Mike briefly through gatherings at Brandy's house.  He was a kind and loving person  May God be with you and your children during this time of greif




To the Mike Jenkins' family - From Linda Burns (AT+T Transfer System, Convergys, and Northgate Arinso) - August 17, 2013

 

I wanted to share something that began as an introduction to a thank-you e-mail I was planning to write at work:

 "I hope I haven't waited too long". By the time I got to work yesterday it was becoming a song, with some last words coming, even on the way to Mike's funeral today. This seems like a good time to share it with you.

 My father passed away this summer - June 9, 2013. One of the lines of this song, "There is something I feel I must do" were my father's words about three years ago, at age 80. Because he chose to follow through and do what he felt was "the right thing to do", at a personal cost to himself, our family was given almost three amazing years that we will never forget. Some of his last words were:

"Family - together forever". I hope you can find some comfort from the following words, as I believe that they are from the Lord, as well as from me. May the God of love bring you comfort, and strenghten you today.

 

"I HOPE I HAVEN'T WAITED TOO LONG"

 Linda Burns - 08/17/2013

 

Chorus - I hope I haven't waited too long - to say you are special, to sing you a song;

 Of heartfelt emotion, and fond devotion;

 I hope I haven't waited too long.

 

1. Though these words of mine are long overdue, It's with smiles and thanksgiving that I think of you;

 I take strength from your presence, and your words help me bear,

 the weight of life's dramas - Knowing you care.

 

Chorus - I hope I haven't waited too long - to say you are special, to sing you a song;

 Of heartfelt emotion, and fond devotion;

 I hope I haven't waited too long.

 

2. There is something I feel I must do, to be sure of our hearts - between God and us two;

 I humbly ask your forgiveness, for the wrong that I've done;

 and pray: "Please, Lord, forgive me - my transgressions - every one."

 

Chorus - I hope I haven't waited too long - to say you are special, to sing you a song;

 Of heartfelt emotion, and fond devotion;

 I hope I haven't waited too long.

 

3. It's getting late now, but maybe there's time, to enjoy another moment, as we hear the clock chime;

 We'll eat, laugh, and chatter, having fun - it doesn't matter - 

while our friendship is growing; always praying for each other.

 

4. I hope I haven't waited too long - to say you are special, to sing you a song;

 and show how: Love, Respect and Honor - from me, to you belong;

 I hope I haven't waited too long.

To the family and friends of Mike Jenkins, Jr. - Our hearts are grieved for you all today. It is a comfort to know that Mike is with Jesus. We love you all.

Lyn, Chloe, Ansen - My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I had the pleasure of knowing Mike as a colleague and a friend over the past 10 years at Convergys and most recently at Ally. Mike always talked about how much each if you meant to him. Mike made me laugh every day and his passion was very infectious. Mike really understood the balance between results and having fun. Mike will be greatly missed.

Lyn, I cannot begin to tell you how sorry we are with your loss. Mike was a great friend and I know a loving Father and Husband. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as you deal with this tragic situation. God Bless you and your children.

Lyn, I had the pleasure of working for Mike- He was such a kind and giving person. Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss-Mike Jenkins-my thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. 
Kim Phan, Ally Bank

I know it's difficult today for you and your family to see beyond the sorrow, but may looking back on all those wonderful memories you all shared with him bring comfort to you tomorrow. May God bless you and your family during this very difficult time. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Nita Burroughs

Lyn, my sympathies to you and your family. I know that God will give you the strength to make it through this difficult time. Hold on to His Love and He will get you through.

We are deeply saddened to hear of Mike's untimely passing. May God bless and be with your family, Lyn. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Mike was a model example of a great father, husband, and friend.  I had the pleasure of working for him at Florida Combined Life.  I enjoyed all of his stories about Lyn and their children.  He was very proud of his beautiful family and I will keep you in prayer.  He is already missed.

Lyn, Chloe and Ansen...you are all in our prayers...in our eyes, Mike was warm, kind, funny, loving and always carried such an inviting smile.  We will certainly miss him.

A warm hug from all of us our family to yours,

The Morenos (Douglas, Bridget, Isabella, Matthew and Eva)

I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of Mike.  I only knew him for a short time, when we worked at FCL, but I really liked him.  I enjoyed his laughter & how much he talked about his wife & the kids.  He will be missed.

I worked briefly with Mike at FCL.. Prayers are with you and your family

Lyn, you and the kids will be in my prayers. Mike was my supervisor at Florida Combined Life, he was a joy to be around. He would always make us laugh and tell us all about you and the kids. This is a tragic lose and Im so sorry. RIP Mike....

Lyn, Chloe and Ansen,
I pray the love for the lost is forever carried in your memory. My thoughts are with you and your family during these difficult times.

Lyn, Chloe and Ansen, our thoughts and prayers continue with you. Mike was always willing to help, and there were many days he would, as we juggled Jack and Alex at the bus stop. Please know, if there is ever anything we can do to help you, we are just down the street and want to do so. God Bless.

Lyn, I pray God's peace during this time of great loss.  I pray that the Lord will draw near and put his loving arms around you, wipe away every tear and comfort you my darling friend.

R.I.P. Mike. When I first heard the news I was in disbelief. I didnt want to believe that it was him who had passed. Mike was such a nice guy he used to be my supervisor a couple years ago at work and he was always willing to help out with anything and always had something nice to say.  He had such a great attitude. I will miss seeing him at Ally. To his family I'm so sorry for your loss. I can only imagine the pain you all are going through during this difficult time. My Family & I will keep you all in our prayers.

Mike was a recent graduate of Webster University and was one of my former students. For those of you who did not have the privelage of meeting Mike, he enthusiastically participated in campus events and contributed significantly to class discussion. He was always in a good mood and helped others achieve their goals. He was the perfect example of a team player. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time as we mourn his loss. We will miss him.

Lyn, may god bless you and your family at this very difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Blessed are the they that mourn: for they shall be comforted Matthew 5:4
To. Lyn, Chloe and Ansen,
I have known Mike for 16 years, He Has always being loving to my daughter Lyn, and my grandchildren Chloe and Ansen, My family and myself treasure the times he spent here in Belize, enjoying Maruba Resort, Placencia, Caye Caulker, Calabash Caye and the Maya ruins. All the local food we made him that he enjoyed. And time I came to Jacksonville and Saint Augustine and Lyn and Mike entertained us.
Mike was a wonderful human being who will surely be missed by his immediate family, and our family as well. Sleep on in peace Mike.
Elva Marina Morrison

Lyn, This is Hattie..I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your love. As you know, we go wayyyyyyy back. :-) I have nothing but fond memories of Mike. My prayer is that God will grant you the peace that surpasses all understanding and you and the family rest in His arms.  Please let me know if there's anything I can do to make your load lighter. Hattie Andrews

I had only just met Mike a few months ago at work, but, he was a man who always had a smile on his face and just a genuinely good guy.  Lyn, know that you, Chloe, and Ansen are in my families prayers.

Lyn I meet Mike last year at the Raiders and Jacksonville game I knew he was special it felt like I had known him all my life. He will be missed I will continue to pray for your family.
Curtis Sligh Spanaway Wa

Lyn we can not begin to know what you, Chloe and Ansen are going through. We want you to know that are Prayers are with you guys and if you need anything please let us know. 

Love Tracy, Hanna, Aleese, and Andrew Mason

Lyn, we are so sorry for your loss. We were lucky to have the chance to meet Mike as a teenager and we were so glad we got to meet him again once he grew up into a wonderful young man. You have our deepest condolences.

Worked with Mike for several years and enjoyed him very much, my memories are of us sharing laughs and fun, and a few work ideas.  I used to go out of my way to share some time because he was such a positive, super guy. He was so proud of his wife/partner in their early days, touched to see what a beautiful family you became. Sending condolences, wishing for strength and courage to the entire family and special blessings to the children

Lyn you and the kids are in our prayers. Mike was a good man and he will be missed. I've know him since we were in junior high. If you and the kids need anything just let me know. I know mike would do the same thing.

Lyn,
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Lyn, Chloe, and Ansen - Hold tight to the memories for comfort, lean on your friends for strength, and always remember how much you are cared about. Mike will be missed by all - RIP.

Praying for you and your lovely family during this difficult time.

Love Always,
Your Cousin Kirsten and Cherry

Dearest Lyn, You are in our hearts and our prayers.  We know You, Chloe and Ansen will miss Mike imensly. May god comfort you and your family at this time and as you continue on your journey of life.  While we can't be there in body, please know that Cherry and I are with you guys in spirit. Love always your cousin Kirsten and Cherry.

Lynn, Ansen, and Chloe, Charlie & I are praying for you all. We'll remember Mike as a wonderful, loving & supportive husband and father; and for the way he matured in his faith and as a leader at St. Patrick's. We won't be with you Saturday, as we know Mike would want us to get all these backpacks and food to our Feed My Lambs families as scheduled. We stand ready to support you in any way can. Charlie and Katey

Dear Lyn, Chloe and Ansen, We have you all lifted up in prayer! Mike was such a blessing to our family and Saint Patrick's! His involvement with and encouragement -especially to our boys - was a special gift that we will always cherish! Sending love and hugs along with prayers your way! Much love! The Grays- Lisa Mickey Michael Peter and Ginny

Dearest Lyn,
My heart goes out to you, Chloe & Ansen. Didn't know Mike for too long but knew for sure he was a GREAT guy. So genuine. May God embrace you and bless you with an abundance of strength and courage to accept His will. Your long time friend.

This is so surreal. I remember all the funtimes we have coming to Jax or in Belize. It's hard to believe I will not see you again Mike. Especially the late night runs for McD's, wings, fried chicken or pizza. Those memories are etched in my mind permanently. I just feel that one day I will see you again. I know for sure that I will see you in heaven. R.I.P. Mike. Cal

Lyn, Chloe and Ansen, May your special memories of the love you shared with Mike help ease your grief.  The presence of your beautiful family on Sundays at St. Patrick's was a blessing to your church family and Mike will be greatly missed.

My Darling friend, may Gods hand surround you and your family in this difficult time.  You are always in my prayers.

Lyn, May the peace of the Lord carry you through all hard times. May the Lord bless you and keep you!

Lyn, Chloe and Ansen...may God give you all the strength to get through this difficult time in your lives. My deepest condolences for your loss. Mike has gotten his wings and is now your guardian angel and starting a new life in the Kingdom of God. He is at peace with the Lord. He will forever be in all our memories and our hearts. My love and prayers goes out to you all cuz.

Lyn, my heart breaks for you and your children.  I am so sorry for your loss.  God Bless you and your family.
I knew Mike first as a little boy named Billy and later as a man.  Those memories bring a smile to my face.

Lyn, Linda and I are profoundly sorry for your loss.  We grieve and mourn Mike's passing.  We will miss him greatly.  May God's mercy and grace be with you and Chloe and Ansen during this most difficult time.

Lyn, my heart goes out to you and your family. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help. My deepest condolonces.

MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR LOVED ONES DURING THIS TOUGH... MY CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO ALL OF HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS. NO LONGER WILL HE SUFFER BUT AT THIS TIME HE WILL FOREVER BE AT PEACE

May God wrap his loving arms around the family and friends during your time of grief. My thoughts and prayers are with you. 

Mary Hill

Lyn, I have no words to express how deeptly sorry I am to hear about your husband's death.  My condolecens. I wish you  strenth during this difficult time. Please know that you and your family will be in my thoughts. Much love..Mildred Rafii

Gods grace and mercy with you & your children/family at this time Lyn, so so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to the entire family. You are in my prayers.....Rowena Estell(SCA)

I met Mike 12 years ago at Convergys when I first started working there, right away I liked him and knew he was a good person. Over the years I saw what a great person he truly was and how much he loved his family and put them first in everything. He was a great man and anyone who knew Mike will miss him. Lyn, you and the kids are in my thoughts and prayers.

Lyn I love you. Mike is with his Father in Heaven.  I am so heartbroken and everyday I wake up and think it's a bad dream.  I am constantly praying for you and Chloe and Anson. I will not be there in person, my heart and spirit will be there with you every step of the way. I will make a trip as soon as I can travel to spend some quality time. I know Mike will like that. I love you Mike. R.I.P.

I am so incredibly sorry for your loss.  Mike was a wonderful man who will be dearly missed.  Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Will miss you greatly, my friend.  Sending thoughts and prayers to you, Lyn, Chloe, and Ansen.

My deepest and most sincere sympathy goes out to you and the kids. Praying for God to grant you peace & comfort during this time of your great loss....Sending you love & hugs.

It is a great privilege to have been a friend and colleague with Mike. I will never forget the accomplishments, good times and laughs we shared. My condolences to his family and friends.

My heart and prayers go up for Mike's family during this difficult time. Mike was a great husband and father. His loss will be greatly felt by many. Mike, you will be truly missed. 

God Bless you, Lyn, Chloe, and Ansen.

Deeply saddened by this early departure of a great client, Father, and friend. May God Bless him and his family.

Lyn you have our deepest sympathy.  Our prayers and love are with you and your children.  
From Richard & Doreen Spence

My heart and prayers go up for Mike's family during this difficult time. Mike was a great husband and father. His loss will be truly felt by many.

Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning. At this time I wish to express my sympathy to the family during this time. I had the privilege of meeting Mike 2 years ago at Ally; Thanks to a small accident in the parking lot at work, I met a great man and friend. He will truly be missed, he was a gem from heaven above and I thank God for the opportunity of knowing him. May he rest in peace.

Lyn and Family, I am so sorry for your loss,  please accept my sincere condolences.
From the very first company meeting with Mike, I could immediately tell that he had a passion for doing things the "right" way and making any company he was involved with a better place for employees and customers, and somehow he found the patience to try and implement his ideas. I met him as a co-worker and miss him know as a friend.

My heart goes out to Mike's family and friends. My prayers go up for comfort during this difficult time.

Mike was a great manager, always positive and lifting us up for good work, making this a great place to work. He will truley truley be missed

Lyn: You and your beautiful family are in my thoughts and prayers.  I am here for you. May God warm your heart and keep you and your children strong.  

Sincerely, 
Your Citizens friend

The pictures are so wonderful to view, even though I didn't know him, Lyn I am so pleased to know you! I am sending strength to you and your wonderful family! May you find comfort in family and friends at this time. 
Your friend at Citizens,
Brenda Porada

OBITUARY

William "Mike" Michael Jenkins Jr.

September 26, 1976 – August 8, 2013

Hardage - Giddens Greenlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery

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