John Dennis Jenkins, 76

November 30, 2024

John Dennis Jenkins, 76, of Lititz, formerly of Washington Boro, passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2024. He was surrounded by his family at his side. He was the husband of Nancy J. Jenkins for 54 years, also a native of Lancaster.

John attended J.P. McCaskey High School, class of 1966. He retired from Alumax in 1994, where he was a tow master mechanic for 15 years. Prior to that, he worked at Hamilton Watch, General Tire, and ITT Grinnell.

In January 1969, he volunteered to join the United States Army, where he served his country in Vietnam. He was stationed in Pleiku with the 20th Combat Engineers Battalion until August 1971. He was a specialist 5 leaving Vietnam and was in the Pennsylvania National Guard from 1979-1980. In addition, he was a faithful member of Grace Community Church.

He coached his sons Little League Baseball and Football teams and was the Cubmaster for Cub Scout Pack 88 in Millersville. He made sure to attend all his kids’ and grandkids’ activities and functions. He was a loving, supportive husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and friend. He will be greatly missed and revered by all who knew him.

John was preceded in death by his father Herald W. Jenkins Sr.; Mother Frances Ivy Groff Jenkins; and brothers Frank Jenkins and Gerald Bowers.

He is survived by his three children, whom he was incredibly proud of: John Christopher Jenkins of Lititz, husband of Heather Apple, Chad Wayne Jenkins of Lancaster, husband of Cynthia Hite, and Angela Jeannette Hess of Millersville, partner Daniel Shirk. He adored and was incredibly dedicated to his 8 grandchildren: Kira, Madalyn, Gavin, Grace, and Ty Jenkins, Jacob, Lucas, and Liam Hess. He is also survived by his sisters: Anna Myers of Richmond VA, wife of Raymond Myers, and Glada J. Hettinger, spouse of Judy Graver, New Providence, PA.

Relatives and friends are invited to Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory at 2421 Willow Street Pike, Willow Street, PA 17584 on December 5, 2024 from 6-8pm. Family and friends will also be welcomed at Grace Community Church of Willow Street, 212 Peach Bottom Road, on December 6, 2024 from 9:30-10:30am, with service at 10:30AM and interment to follow at Riverview Burial Park.

In lieu of flowers and to honor John’s service, a memorial may be made in his name to Blankets of Honor, 112B E. Harrisburg Avenue Elizabethtown, PA 17022 or at blanketsofhonor.org.