Robert John John Genins Jr.

On October 5, 2012, three days before he would have lived 73 years in this world, R. John Genins, Jr. passed away in Pensacola FL. John was a man who marched to the beat of his own drum. His was a big presence in the life of everyone he touched and will be forever a part of those he left. His kind heart could not withstand any more physical challenges. We are at peace knowing he is resting in a safe, loving place.

His mother (Lola Mae Landrum Genins) and father (Robert J Genins) rejoiced on October 8, 1939, when he arrived in St. Louis MO. Five years later the idyllic family was challenged with the arrival of a sister, Amelia Josephine (Amy Jo). John, a comely, highly intelligent and gifted person, attended elementary school and graduated from Sikeston High School (Sikeston MO) in 1957, received his BA from Emory University (Atlanta GA), his JD from the Emory Law School, and practiced law in Georgia.

While an Emory undergrad, he met Sara Singleton King from Waycross GA. They married and had two beautiful children: Lorena Ann and Robert John Genins, III (Suzanne). The family lived in St. Simons Island, GA.

When they separated, John moved back to Atlanta where he practiced law and where many respected his keen, analytical mind.

Basketball, football, baseball, playing the saxophone, and especially fishing were all activities he enjoyed and in which he excelled. Many fishing stories could be told! His encounters with catfish in the drainage ditches of SE Missouri, The "pish" he discovered in the cistern at his beloved Grandma and Grandpa Landrum's farm outside of Jefferson City MO, The Alaska fishing trip with his dad. The fishing adventures he shared with so many in Fernandina Beach FL. His one-man, night-time retrieval of his boat from the Bahamian authorities when independence was declared in 1973. His deep sea fishing encounters with the fish he loved and respected--as shown by the Blue Marlin he captured and mounted on the wall of his home.

We all strive to achieve our definitions of success--to accomplish what we believe we are on earth to do. John Genins was successful, because, to paraphrase the poetess Bessie Stanley, he laughed often and much, won the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, earned the appreciation of honest critics and endured the betrayal of false friends; he appreciated the earth’s beauty, found the best in others, and lived his life with enthusiasm.

I am proud to call him my big brother. His was a significant presence. In the company of many, I feel his loss deeply.

He is forever a part of me and all he touched with his movin' and shakin' ways!