John Earl Jenkins, Jr.

JOHN E. "JACK" JENKINS, JR., 83, of Huntington, W.Va., passed away July 4, 2008, following a short illness. Born on September 19, 1924, in Huntington, he was the son of the late John Earl and Kathleen Pitts Jenkins, and was preceded in death by his sister Marion. He attended Davidson College, Brown University and received an A.B. and L.L.B. degree from the University of Virginia, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Theta Chi. A WWII veteran, he served his country in the United States Army Air Corp. He is survived by three sons, John E. Jenkins, III, and wife Stephanie of Raleigh, N.C., James C. Jenkins, and wife Wanda of West Palm Beach, Fla.; and, Evan H. Jenkins, and wife Elizabeth of Huntington, W.Va.; and dear friend, Camille M. Riley of Morgantown, W.Va.; and seven grandchildren, John E. Jenkins, IV, Amanda V. Jenkins, James C. Jenkins, Jr., Edward M. Jenkins, Evan H. Jenkins, Jr., Charles X. Jenkins and Olivia G. Jenkins. An attorney for more than five decades, he was deeply respected by his peers in the legal profession and on many occasions was ranked among the best lawyers in America. Joining his father in the practice of law in 1950, he helped shepherd the growth and prominence of the firm Jenkins Fenstermaker, PLLC. He argued several cases before the United States Supreme Court of Appeals, and for fifteen years, enjoyed sharing his extraordinary legal experience with the students at the West Virginia College of Law. He proudly received the Justicia Officium Award, the highest honor the College of Law can bestow a recipient, recognizing his outstanding contribution and service to the legal profession. Devoted to the betterment of his community, he left a legacy of dedicated service and touched the lives of many through his involvement in membership and charitable organizations including The Edwards Foundation, trustee; Cammack Children's Center, past board member; Foundation for the Tri-State Community, Inc., trustee; Boy Scouts of America; Greater Tri-State Development Corporation, president; Huntington Clinical Foundation, past president; Huntington Foundation, trustee; Huntington Kiwanis Club, past president; Huntington Museum of Art, past president, trustee; City Club; Gypsy Club; Huntington Y.M.C.A., past president, trustee; Cabell-Wayne Heart Association, past president; Marshall Artist Series, past president, trustee; St. Mary's Hospital, Ethics Committee, member; and, United Way, past president, member. He was a member, Sunday School teacher and Elder of the First Presbyterian Church. He pursued life with passion. An avid reader with an interest in current events, history and art, he led an active lifestyle as a licensed private pilot, scuba diver, sailor and golfer, and he traveled extensively for work and pleasure.

Family Guestbook at www.klingelcarpenter.com