John Edward Jenkins, age 74 of Vernon, FL went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, September 5, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Chipley, FL on March 22, 1950 to the late James W. Jenkins and Claire (Spradley) Jenkins.
Along with his parents John is preceded in death by step-father William Tharp, brothers James Dewayne Jenkins, Anthony (Catfish) Jenkins, Steven Jenkins, sister Glenda Jenkins, nephew Jason Jenkins.
John is survived by his loving wife, Wanda (Helms) Jenkins of 53 years; one daughter, Tonya Bruner and husband Jason of Chipley, FL; one son, Justin Jenkins and wife Katie of Vernon, FL; three grandchildren Paisley Bruner, Jake Jenkins, and Ashlynn Jenkins; brothers Randy Jenkins of Vernon, Lee Jenkins of Vernon, Donald Jenkins and wife Polly of Alford, Perry Burke and wife Kathy of Chipley; and a host of nieces and nephews.
John graduated from Vernon High School where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Wanda Helms. He began his career building residential homes throughout the panhandle with Andrew Ellis and Raz Brock. He then started with the Florida Department of Transportation working in the lab. His next endeavor was at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office where he rose through the ranks from patrol deputy to chief deputy under the leadership of Sheriff Fred Peel for 16 years. John returned to the FDOT for the remainder of his career in Materials, retiring in 2011. He was a member of the Vernon Masonic Lodge and an active member at Live Oak Baptist Church until his sickness. He also served as the Sunday School Superintendent for many years.
After retirement, John enjoyed the simpler things of life like his gardens, cattle, tractor, birds, and back porch visitors. One could easily find him sitting outside whether rain or shine, with an empty chair for any welcomed guest. Some of his favorite visitors were his brothers, children, and grandchildren. He loved to share stories and tales from years gone by. John leaves behind a legacy of grace, dignity and kind heartedness and was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.
The Jenkins family would like to extend a heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Gonzolez at Northwest Florida Community Hospital, Dr. Greg Sloan and staff, Dr. Drew Sarrels, Dr. Scott McAllister, Cara Hinckley, ARNP; Tommy Rushing, CRNP; Cody Mendhein, ARNP; Emerald Coast Hospice, and special nurses Meagan Dean, Tammy Lee, Carla Consuegra, and Destra Moses for their compassionate care in his final days.
The Jenkins Family will receive friends for Visitation on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Chipley from 5:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Chipley at 11:00 A.M. Officiating the Services will be Justin Jenkins, Edward Prescott, Brother Mike Orr and Brother Tim Lanham. Interment will follow at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery at 2430 Shakey Joe Road, Vernon, FL 32462 with Elder Randy Jenkins officiating.
Brown Funeral Home & Blue Lake Crematory of Chipley, FL is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are invited sign the online registry at www.brownfh.net
