William JENKINS

JENKINS, William R. A productive, interesting and happy life ended on January 2, 2018, when William Russell Jenkins passed away peacefully at home. Bill was born and raised by his grandparents in humble surroundings in Dayton, Ohio. He joined the Navy at age 16 and served on a Patrol Torpedo (PT) boat in the South Pacific during World War II. After military service, he attended Miami University and the University of Dayton on the GI Bill. He was a faithful, dedicated and active member of Springboro Covenant Presbyterian Church. He was a long time Freemason and recently received a 65 year service award from the Masonic Temple. He was also a Shriner and a founding member of the London Bobbies mini-bike parade team. He was an avid sportsman, hunter and fisherman (oceans, lakes, streams or any pond near his home). Bill was quite a good golfer and loved to play as much as possible with his family and friends at Sycamore Creek Country Club. He was a certified pilot and flew gliders and single-engine planes, including a replica of the Wright Flyer. He also loved and was great at boating, sailing, skiing and water activities. Bill loved life and made the most of it, and he was lucky enough to have traveled the world. He was the life of every party and he had a talent for making people feel good about themselves. Bill was very competitive and was one of our Country's greatest patriots! He had love and great empathy for all people, regardless of their station in life. Bill was a tool and die maker and worked his way up to eventually co-owning or running several local companies. He ultimately retired as Vice President and General Manager of Vulcan Tool Company. He loved and was proud of his fellow employees and clients all around the world. He leaves his loving wife, Jeanne, of 69 years, his three sons and daughters-in-law Michael (Reiko), Matt (Susan) and Mark, seven grandchildren, Jeanne, Miken (Irion), Mara, Jessica, James, Jamielynne Albright (Joel), Nicole Aucoin (Andrew), six great grandchildren and special niece, Suzie Rudolph, and grandniece, Gracie. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 from 4:00 PM 7:00 PM at NCR Country Club, with a Special Remembrance Ceremony at 6:00 PM. Many thanks to Hospice of Dayton. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to either the Shriners Hospitals for Children or Hospice of Dayton.