John H. Jenkins

John Jenkins, 89, passed away on Tuesday March 11, 2014 at VA Togus Medical Center. He was born in Charleston South Carolina a son of Emma Julia Lenning Jenkins and Adam Jenkins. Conceived from this marriage John was the youngest of three children, Cornelia Jenkins Mack and Margaret A. Mack, all of whom are now deceased.

John attended school in Charleston, South Carolina until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on August 7, 1941. John’s uncle, Herbert Mack Sr. was a decorated U. S. Naval officer and inspired John to make a career of the U.S. Navy where he spent 24 years serving in three wars; WWII (Pacific Theater), the Korean Conflict, and Vietnam and in Europe in post war stations. He received countless awards, plaques and commendations plus 10 revered medals and other considerations; ending his career at the Brunswick Naval Air Station. Between times of service John studied culinary arts at the Culinary Arts Institute on America in New York.

After retirement from the U.S. Navy, John had successful careers in food service management and direction. He then became a real estate broker with Nason’s Century 21 Realtors of Waterville, Maine. During this time he resided in Brunswick, ME and Nashua, NH. He later moved to Waterville, ME in 1971. John was an active member of the Getchell St. Baptist Church as well as the Bourque-Lannigan American Legion where he served as Post Commander, as well as Fourth District Commander. John was an upstanding member of the community active with the city as other business organizations.

John is survived by Perri Jean Jenkins of Massachusetts and his son John Mark Jenkins or Waterville, one granddaughter Caitlyn Roderick of Charlotte, N.C., and Lottie Dorsey of Charlotte, N.C., Margie Mack of New York City, and Lavern Brothers of Charleston, S.C. He also leaves nephews Samuel Mack Jr. of Denmark, S.C. and Obediah Wright of Brooklyn, N.Y. as well as other relatives, friends, in laws and caregivers.

John was predeceased by two wives, Barbara Jean Jenkins and Florence M. Jenkins and a niece Margaret M. Wilson of Stafford, TX.

Visitation will be held at the Veilleux Funeral Home on Friday, March 21 from 5-8 PM at the Veilleux Funeral Home 8 Elm St. Waterville, ME. A funeral will be celebrated at the Getchell St. Baptist Church on Saturday, March 22 at 3 PM. Services are under the care and direction of the Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville, Maine 04901 www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com