Barton Williams Benedict Jahncke

Barton Williams Benedict Jahncke, a native son of New Orleans, passed away Sunday, January 7, 2024. He was born on August 5, 1939, the middle child of Edward Benjamin Jahncke, Sr. and Zidé Bowers Benedict Jahncke. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Zidé Bowers Jahncke. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Marcia Wade Jahncke, daughter Emily Jahncke Davis Gershon (Andy Gershon), son Barton Jahncke, Jr. (Whitney), Bo Huggins (Amy), and Wade Huggins (deceased) (Amy); loving grandchildren Toulmin Jahncke, Ella Gershon, Betty Jahncke, Jake Huggins, Pete Huggins, Tyler Huggins, Ben Huggins, Kristen Huggins, Wade Huggins Jr., Maggie Huggins, and Katie Huggins; and great-grandchildren Kate Huggins and Madilyn Huggins. He is also survived by his brother, Edward Benjamin Jahncke, Jr. (Jane Eshelman), his nieces Molly and Kathy Jahncke, his nephew Charles Edgar Allen IV and Rachael McLean mother of Toulmin.

A Graduate of St. Martin’s Episcopal High School, he continued his education at Tulane University, where he received a degree in Business Administration. He was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Upon graduation, he began his commercial career at Lykes Bros. Steamship Company, where he was employed until his retirement. Barton was a member of the New Orleans Board of Trade, The World Trade Center, and The Louisiana Club. He was an honorary lifetime member of the Southern Yacht Club.

Sailing was always his passion. Barton was an avid yachtsman and Olympic Champion. He competed in the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, where he received a gold medal in the Dragon class as a crew member (with Buddy Friedrichs and Click Schreck) on the boat Williwaw. In 1964, he participated in the Luders 16 international Championship Regatta and placed second. Not satisfied, he returned the following year to compete in Chicago and brought home the first place trophy. In 1986, he was inducted into the Tulane University Athletic Hall of Fame, and in 1996, he was a bearer of the Olympic Torch when it passed through New Orleans.

Barton’s heart was unceasingly full of love and shared laughter. He knew no strangers, and he had an incredible ability to embrace anyone who crossed his path, assuring them that they were special. A true gentleman who influenced so many lives, he recognized the importance of kindness, loyalty, fair play, and generosity. Never at a loss for words, yet a good listener, he was sought for counsel by many. Those who knew him wanted him in their corner and he never failed to show up. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, mentor, and shipmate, his indomitable spirit will be with us always. Godspeed, Barton.

The family wishes to acknowledge with gratitude the care partners and nurses at Poydras Home, along with Laryn Cosse, Ricky Mitchell, and George Tucker all of whom provided love, comfort, and devotion throughout his illness.

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1411 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans, LA. Visitation begins at 10:00 A.M., followed by services at 11:00 A.M.