Contributions to the tribute of John D. Jenkins

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John D. Jenkins

1954 - 2020

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Darin Meyer pledged to donate to John Jenkins Scholarship Fund

Thursday, February 20, 2020

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Jeff and Nicole George pledged to donate to John Jenkins Scholarship Fund

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Coach Jenkins will be remembered forever as a man who selflessly changed the lives of others!

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Steve Dean pledged to donate to John Jenkins Scholarship Fund

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Once a Cardinal always a Cardinal! Always loyal to William Penn University Statesman!

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Luke Rinderknecht pledged to donate to John Jenkins Scholarship Fund

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Let me know if you need anything.

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Kerry Walker pledged to donate to John Jenkins Scholarship Fund

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Kerry, Mindi, Evan , Ethan

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Polly J Ehret pledged to donate to John Jenkins Scholarship Fund

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

So honored to "meet" John through conversations with Jake. We connected over our love of football.

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Craig Wilkening posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Dear Jo, Jason, Jake, and James Jenkins, First, let me thank you for sharing Coach Jenkins with us all for so many years…I’m sure you’ve sensed the impact he had on so many lives, but I hope after such a turnout for the celebration of his life that you now know what a difference he made, and thus you made with your generosity. With such a man, no one would have blamed you for hoarding him to yourselves. Jo, you asked for good stories about Coach as we walked through the line and I froze because to me he just embodied “good.” He was the most patient, graceful, steady, thoughtful, calm, and just soul I’ve ever met. He could inspire you with a look, fill your heart with one of his chuckles, and motivate you without raising his voice. It felt like he could look inside your head and see your shortcomings and always knew the right way to build you up as a person. I can’t tell you how many times in my life when I was struggling that I would hear his voice softly probe “We can adjust to ANYTHING…and we will.” I’m not exaggerating when I say that through my struggles with addiction and depression that that voice and the conscience of character that he instilled in me saved my life on many occasions. There are many memories about my time with this remarkable man— --Clipboards dramatically broken over helmets. --A team trip to the Sophomore locker room after a lack-luster win. --A respectful taking to task of me in front of the team for (again) missing a game due to a good conduct policy infraction. --A caring meeting set up to make sure my quitting basketball was for the right reasons. --The proud look I saw in his eyes when we watched Todd Scott play for Yale at Soldier Field. --His well-timed humor after each of my three-heartbreaking playoff losses. --Sneaking Jason into the team picture as a double for Ryan Barton. But the times that I will treasure most were the two weeks we spent on campus when he coached my Shine Bowl team. Several nights we would sit in his room (not just because he brought a window air conditioner…but it helped) and talk; one of our conversations journeyed into my struggles with drinking and the pressures of being a high school kid. He sat and listened, not just because he cared for me (which I knew he did), but because he was a man who never stopped learning. He was curious about my story because he knew his sons would face some of the same pressures. He was humble enough to listen to me, a scared-shitless kid, to attempt to grow and be a better father. I hope the end of his disease brings you some relief and I’m sorry you all had to go through such an unfitting last chapter to such a remarkable man. Thank you all for your courage, Craig Wilkening

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Mary Margaret Gran posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Such a great man… The only fire I had in my classroom at Berg middle school was courageously put out by John Jenkins! I was struggling to tear through the zip tie in order to use the fire extinguisher and he came running in like a hero! He snapped the zip tie and started spraying the fire extinguisher, yelling for me to get out and get safe. Like any flesh and blood hero, he ran toward the fire and the emergency instead of away! Few people probably know the story because he would never blow his own horn about it… It was a privilege to teach with him. I am hoping his beautiful family will hug tight to their hearts all the good times…

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Victoria Reynolds pledged to donate to John Jenkins Scholarship Fund

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

I am sending a donation to the John Jenkins Scholarship Fund to honor his work with former students.

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Randy Johnson posted a condolence

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

1996 football practice. Coach Jenkins lost his voice one week and could not yell at anyone for anything. I messed up on a drill and gave up halfway through because my perceived usefulness was done. Coach pulled me aside and whispered "Never give up and never stop." Out of all of the yelling any coach ever directed my way, that whisper carries me to this day.

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Tony Elliott pledged to donate to John Jenkins Scholarship Fund

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

I'm grateful to have known John and so appreciative of how he impacted my two sons lives. God bless

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Scott E Carlson pledged to donate to John Jenkins Scholarship Fund

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Coach was a great mentor to players coaches alike. We are forever better because of him.

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David Van Blair pledged to donate to John Jenkins Scholarship Fund

Monday, February 17, 2020

Coach Jenkins was an amazing man and mentor. I'm glad to have been part of his Cardinal family.

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Jeff and Sandy Schermerhorn pledged to donate to John Jenkins Scholarship Fund

Monday, February 17, 2020

Johns legacy of Kindness is engrained in all of our Family. It will continue on through generations

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Duane and Gail Flagel pledged to donate to John Jenkins Scholarship Fund

Monday, February 17, 2020

To Jo, Jason, Jake and James: We send our love & are happy to be part of John's scholarship.

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Leslie VanHoosen lit a candle

Sunday, February 16, 2020

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Condolences to Jo and the rest of John's family !! RIP friend!! Leslie Van Hoosen

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Marlene Huggins posted a symbolic gesture

Saturday, February 15, 2020

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As a single Mom of two boys, I leaned upon John as a football life coach! He did not disappoint. He helped both boys through some tough times and I know their lives are richer for the advice he shared and the guidance he gave. He gave to so many, in so many ways. He reached out to me during the suicide of my brother, which affected my life greatly, and I shall never forget his empathy. May he be at peace, and in heaven realize the legacy he has left behind. What wonderful gifts he gave in this life! -Marlene Huggins

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Ian C Munger pledged to donate to John Jenkins Scholarship Fund

Friday, February 14, 2020

May others know the benefits that Coach Jenkins bestowed upon me and my family.

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Ian Munger posted a condolence

Friday, February 14, 2020

As a physician in South Georgia, there is not a day that goes by that I don't remember and use teachings from Coach Jenkins. Not only from the football field (which were most) but also from my classes with him in Middle School. I am a better man, more disciplined, and more intelligent for having known this man. I will miss him, and my best to you, Jo, Jason, and Jake, and the rest of your family. Dr Ian Munger

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Friday, February 14, 2020

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FROM THE BROTHERS OF SIGMA PHI SIGMA

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John Groeneveld posted a symbolic gesture

Friday, February 14, 2020

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As a young football player, Coach Jenkins has a life-long impression on me. It was obvious to me that the measure of success was not wins and losses, but rather the attitude of the individual and the integrity of the team. He was willing to give to those who had little to offer in return. For him, kindness was not just something to be desired but something to be pursued. He will be missed, but his impact on the lives of others will continue to spread. John Groeneveld

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Mike Mitchell lit a candle

Thursday, February 13, 2020

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I met John at Wm Penn we became great friends, played Football together and fraternity brothers. He took me fishing with him a few times, I was a novice and he was a seasoned vet when it came to fishing.... I always caught more fish than he did... even got my picture in the paper... Jenks never let me here the end of it! Last time we talked, was before things got bad... he was laughing and being John... May God shine his light on your family forever Gods Speed Brother

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Rob Allen posted a condolence

Thursday, February 13, 2020

Coach Jenkins came to Pomeroy my freshman year. I was fortunate and blessed to have him as a coach and role model for all 4 years of high school. My sincere condolences go out to his family. A greater man could never have lived. I was fortunate in later life to get to know Oscar Croonquist, Joleens dad. He was also a great and gentle man, who had the deepest respect and love for a son in law I've ever seen. He was so proud of him. Rob Allen

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The family of John D. Jenkins uploaded a photo

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

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John and Annie lit a candle

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

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Monday, February 10, 2020

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Jo and Boys, You are in our hearts and prayers.

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Monday, February 10, 2020

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Coach Jenkins made us all better. RIP to the greatest Cardinal of them all.

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Margaret Ellis posted a condolence

Sunday, February 9, 2020

John was such a great mentor to many young men in Newton. Our son Mark said when I asked if he considered playing football after high school. Never! There’s nothing like John Jenkins football! I already had the best experience in football Rest In Peace John

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Darrel & Shirley Arrowood lit a candle

Sunday, February 9, 2020

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Our son played football for Coach Jenkins and had very high praise for him. Prayers to the Family. He was great with the young men that played for him. He will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. RIP John. The Arrowood Family.

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Staci Sanders lit a candle

Sunday, February 9, 2020

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Dan guldberg lit a candle

Saturday, February 8, 2020

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Never had him as a Coach but always referred to him as Coach. He will be deeply missed by so many.

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Ed and Cindy White lit a candle

Saturday, February 8, 2020

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We have known John for many years. He did not just coach, he inspired and encouraged all the guys on his teams. Our son said Coach J displayed a positive attitude and motivation toward his players. He taught them there is a pride to be had in their achievements, something for them to carry throughout their lives. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jo and her family.

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Tuesday

February

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10:30 am - 11:30 am

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

1115 S. 8th Avenue E.

Newton, Iowa, United States

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Tuesday

February

Celebration of Life Open House

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

McCann Center

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Newton, Iowa, United States

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In Loving Memory

John Jenkins

1954 - 2020

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