Thomas "TJ" Jenkins

TJ wore his heart on his sleeve, and anyone who was lucky enough to cross his path could see it. The most selfless, humble, and fun-loving guy you could ever meet, TJ brought that peaceful, easy feelin’ to the world around him. When first meeting TJ, you’d see a giant teddy bear extending his left hand for a handshake. He’d say, “The left hand is closest to the heart.” What TJ valued most in the world was family and friends and bringing kindness to every soul.

Thomas Ernest Jenkins was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio in 1938 to parents, Paul and Rachel Jenkins. Inevitably, he became an avid Browns fan. TJ graduated from the historic West Tech High School, where he sang in the choir. Later on, he made his way to Columbus where he married his soulmate, Diana, and became a devoted father and Buckeyes fan.

Throughout his years in Columbus, TJ worked for Columbus Distributing, coached baseball and basketball at St. Matthias, and was active in philanthropic organizations, including SMAC (St. Matthias Athletic Club), and made frequent donations to Charity Newsies. In his downtime, TJ loved spending time with his family and friends, playing ball with his son, gardening, watching sports, reading the newspaper, and singing along to the Eagles. He never let the sound of his own wheels drive him crazy…He just took it easy…

TJ is survived by his wife, Diana, their three children and their spouses: Tami (Craig) Carver, Tonya (Bill) Melsop, and Jason (Dana) Jenkins. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren: Cody, Aaron (Amy Schockling), and Luke Melsop; Scarlett, Jason, Anthony, and Joseph Verdino-Jenkins.

TJ, undeniably, found his place and made a stand as a lover and a friend.

Keep on taking it easy, TJ. We love you.

A visitation for TJ will be held Thursday, September 1, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Schoedinger Worthington, 6699 N High Street, Worthington, OH 43085. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur Friday, September 2, 2022 at 12:00 PM at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 9571 High St, Lewis Center, OH 43035.

All are welcome to the “Celebration of Life” Open House from 2:00-5:00, Friday, September 2nd at Little Bear Golf Club, 1940 Little Bear Loop, Lewis Center, OH 43035.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in TJ's memory to:

Mid-Ohio Food Bank, 3960 Brookham Drive, Grove City, Ohio 43123 US, https://give.mofc.org/Default.aspx?tsid=18866

Charity Newsies, 4300 Indianola Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43214, https://charitynewsies.org/ways-to-give/donate-online/