John C. Jenkins

John Charles Jenkins, 77, of Hudson, FL., formerly of Waverly and Rome, PA. passed away peacefully on March 25, 2018 under the care of Gulfside Hospice after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. John’s wife was by his side.

John was born in Oakland, MD. on June 6, 1940 to Bruce and Evelyn (Bosley) Jenkins.

His father served in the Pacific in the Navy during WWII and his mother worked for the Welfare Dept. John’s maternal grandmother raised John with loving care.

When John’s father Bruce returned from service, he resumed a teaching career that led to him becoming a Principal , Superintendent, and later the 1st Dean of the newly formed Charles County Community College.

John had 1 sister, Sandy who was born 7 years after him. They had many adventures, for example the time John took Sandy sledding and she fell off the sled. He finally found her by seeing her glasses in the snow. The glasses had fortunately stayed on her face and she was unhurt. They always had a very close relationship.

John’s family moved from Oakland to Indian Head, MD. in 1953. He spent his summers as a lifeguard and delivering newspapers. He attended Lackey High School where he was 1st Clarinet in the concert and marching band. John also played clarinet and saxophone in a jazz band. He always loved Big Band Music.

After graduating in 1959 he was among the first students to attend and graduate from Charles County Community College in La Plata, MD. John graduated in 1961. This was the college his father helped create.

John earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Education from Springfield College in Massachusetts, where he graduated Cum Laude in 1963. He was also a member of the Hosaga Dance Group at Springfield, and traveled around the Northeast reintroducing dances to groups that had been prohibited from performing. He spent summers as a counselor at various camps including National Music Camp in Interlochen, MI.

John attended basic training for the Marine Corps. at Paris Island, Camp Lejune, NC. There he earned his Rifle Expert Badge and Good Conduct Medal. He was then assigned to The Reserves with H25 Co. 13th Infantry Battalion , FMF in Washington, D.C. John spent several summers on Reserve Duty.

As a dedicated educator, John was passionate about providing hands on experiences and activities for his students, Boy Scouts, children, and grandchildren. John taught more than 3 decades at Abington Heights Middle School in Clarks Summit, PA. There he established a district wide Environmental Education Program.

John was Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 152 in Waverly, PA. for more than 30 years. He was also an excellent woodworker and enjoyed making and selling wooden toys. John loved to demonstrate the toys to children and could be seen at craft fairs in Pennsylvania and Florida

After retiring John married Kathryn Obert, also a teacher, and moved to Rome, PA. He enjoyed working with rocks beautifying the yards in Waverly and Rome, creating interesting walls and waterfalls.

After Kathy’s retirement they moved to Hudson, FL., to a Deed Restricted Community named Shadow Lakes where John served on all voluntary boards, including: Crime Watch, Homeowners Association, Club House Committee, Entrance Beautification, and Lake of the Forty. This last group cared for the beautiful lake which is part of the property. John spent many hours canoeing there.

John and Kathy channeled their passions for experiencing new things on many adventures around the world. They visited all 50 states, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, over 400 National Parks and Monuments, homes of famous American authors, and many Canadian and Mexican National Parks and historic sites. They toured 19 countries on 5 continents and took several river and ocean cruises. John was fascinated learning about Native American groups, because his early ancestors were Revolutionary War Veterans who were the first to settle on the Youghiogheny River in Western Maryland, in an area now known as Friendsville.

John was very proud that his daughters became teachers, his son has made the military his career, and the grandchildren are carrying on his traditions.

John is survived by his loving wife, Kathryn Obert of Hudson, FL.; children Alison(Nick) Ratamess of Morrisville, PA. , Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jason(Missy) Jenkins of Colorado Springs, CO., Erica Jenkins of Kalamazoo, MI, stepdaughter Dr. Catherine( Dr. Chris) O’Neil of Bloomsburg, PA. ,six grandchildren; Jessica, Vincent and Nichole Ratamess, Tyce Jenkins, and Riley and Madeline O’Neil, one sister; Sandy(Ken)Roberts of Front Royal, VA., and several nieces and nephews.