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DR. JOSEPH WILLCOX JENKINS
DR. JOSEPH WILLCOX JENKINS
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JOSEPH JENKINS Obituary
DR. JOSEPH WILLCOX
On Friday, January 31, 2014 of Shadyside. Beloved husband of 57 years to Margaret (Miles) Jenkins; loving father of Joseph W. Jenkins and his wife Stacey of North Kingstown, RI and Thomas M. Jenkins of Newportville, PA; dear Gompy of Madeline, Samuel and Eleanor; brother of the late William Jenkins and Elizabeth Look. Dr. Jenkins retired after many decades as a professor of theory, composition and orchestration at Duquesne University. Friends received Thursday and Friday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Canterbury Place, 310 Fisk St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201. Mass of Christian Burial in the Duquesne University Chapel on Saturday afternoon 2:30 p.m., reception preceding at 11 a.m. in the Africa room at Duquesne University. Please bring your voice and musical instruments. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by THOMAS L. NIED FUNERAL HOME, INC., 7441 Washington St., Swissvale.
www.niedfuneralhome.com
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Joe Negri
January 27, 2021
We remember Professor Jenkins fondly and warmly on this anniversary date of his passing. Being a beginning composer myself, I was always in awe of Dr Jenkins
He was warm and had a fondness for jazz, Regards to the Jenkins family.
Joe Negri
January 27, 2020
Remembering Joe Jenkins fondly on this anniversary date of his passing.
He was truly a special person, composer and musician.
Charlie Appel
January 29, 2019
Dr. Joseph Willcox Jenkins, whom we all called by his nickname Cox, was truly one of the finest gentlemen I ever knew. I will always remember his organ virtuosity and his good sense of humor. But most of all I shall remember his friendship.
Joe Negri
January 29, 2019
Remembering Dr. Willcox with joy and love ..
We worked together at Duquesne for several years.
We had music composition as our common bond.
Dr. Willcox was quite a composer and I did quite a bit of dabbling in the field.
I had studied classical composition at CMU with Nicolai Lopatnicof who Dr. Wilcox knew and admired ....
May Joe dwell in peace and be surrounded by music which he loved. ......
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Mark Hoffman
January 28, 2019
My memories of Dr. Jenkins weren't just musical. I saw him and (I'm guessing) his son at many Hockey Games at The Civic Arena. I always remember him and his rubber boots talking about the game as we left the arena. The next day I would see him in The music School at Duquesne University where he was known by all as a musical genius. And indeed he was. I still love hearing his music. He is missed everyday.
Di Nicholls
September 5, 2018
When my mother was 16, she met Joseph Wilcox Jenkins during summer vacation and Wyoming where my mother frequently vacationed with her family. Coxie took summer jobs there and my mother and he spent a lot of time together. My mother told me he was her first great love. when she turned 17 he wrote 17 original Waltzes for her, bound them and gave them to her for her birthday. My mother just passed and As I was going through Boxes and boxes of sheet music, I came across these waltzes addressed to my Mother, Helen Fleming. These were original pieces, and into my knowledge have never been reproduced.
Sara Marie Baldi
February 12, 2014
To the Jenkins Family, my sympathies on your loss. Dr. Jenkins was truly one of a kind. He directed the St. Bernard's choir many years ago. He was very passionate about his music and held us to the highest musical standards. We were a marvelous choir under his leadership.
February 11, 2014
Please know that your family is in our thought and prayers.
Ron and Carol Fuchs, Frick Park Market
February 10, 2014
Dr. Jenkins made an indelible impression on me as a young girl in the Centers for the Musically Talented, many years ago. He nurtured a love of music, as well as an appreciation of the theory behind it. He gently and doggedly reminded me to "not be a vocalist who cannot read music.Learn as much as you can."
Patty Kelemen Hartman
Charlie Appel
February 7, 2014
To Dr. Jenkins's whole family and his large circle of friends but especially Margaret, Jody, and Timmy: When I had lunch with Dr. Jenkins and dear Mrs. Jenkins at Canterbury Place a number of months ago, little did I know that it was the last time I would see "Cox" as he was belovedly known as at SEA. I got the printout about his and Margaret's award from the Church and got a delightful Christmas card. Again, I postponed a note or phone call, much to my shamel…and now I do feel so very sad. "Cox" Jenkins is one of the greatest persons I have ever known. His sense of humor, his dialect story-telling, his musical achievements were what many will remember about him. But for me, it was his ability to take one kid with a guitar, one kid on Kettle Drums, two kids playing recorders, and one kid who knew two notes on a harmonica and write from scratch a symphony-quality Overture for the SEA pageant every year for such a scattering of instruments and abilities, then rehearse them, and finally lead them in the performance that endeared him not only to me but to many many hundreds upon hundreds of elementary school kids.
I remember my first job in one of Margaret's pageants where I got to play a sound effects record filled with sheep sounds on cue for "The Littlest Shepherd." AND THEN, to be able to say to "Cox" years later when I myself was directing the Christmas pageants: "Now, "Cox," right here I need the organ to sound like a cold wind, over here I need sheep, over here I need a crescendo leading to God's voice on the loudspeaker, and OH…could you NOODLE a bit while we are changing scenery" THAT was what gave me one of the most important thrills of my teaching experience. He was a true genius and when he and I sang the descant on "O Come All Ye Faithful" from the organ bench along with the sopranos in the Glee Club….that made memories I will never forget.
Dr. Jenkins, thank you so very much for being one of the best friends I ever had.
(I am so sorry I was not able to come to visitations or the Mass because of circumstances beyond my control, but my heart was there with all of you.)
Zachary Legas
February 7, 2014
I remember Dr. Jenkins from orchestration class and playing his compositions in wind ensemble. When working in his class he was always willing to offer suggestions for a better balance and blend of instruments. Seeing him at hockey games I was impressed he could give you the pitch when the puck would be fired off the goal posts. What an ear!! Truly a scholar and a gentleman. God bless and rest in peace.
Zachary Legas
February 7, 2014
I remember Dr. Jenkins from orchestration class and playing his compositions in wind ensemble. When working in his class he was always willing to offer suggestions for a better balance and blend between instruments. I remember seeing him at hockey games and telling me what pitch it was when a puck would be fired off of the goal posts. What an ear!!Truly a scholar and a gentleman. God bless and rest in peace.
joe and loretta brindel
February 6, 2014
to dr. jenkins' family: our sincerest sympathies on the passing of dr. jenkins, a great friend to all of us here at canterbury place. he was a dear man who filled us with job though his music and warm thoughts, and will be greatly missed.
anna pasquarelli
February 6, 2014
jenkins family: deepest condolences on the passing of dr. jenkins, a wonderful man and dear friend. we will miss his beautiful music at canterbury place, and the joy he brought to all of us here. please know that he and all of you will be in the thoughts and prayers of the many canterbury friends whose lives he enriched.
Julie Carlon Offutt
February 6, 2014
I'm so sorry to read about the passing of Dr. Jenkins. I knew him as "Coxie" back in 1956 at Catholic U. He was so talented and such an enthusiastic teacher yet a very gentle soul. I'm sorry that we didn't stay in touch, but I knew that he had a successful career as a composer and teacher. Most of all, he shared his life with a loving wife and wonderful family. My condolences to each of you. Most sincerely,
Terry Bargas
February 5, 2014
Dr. Jenkins' family:
As assistant to the former DU music school dean, I interacted daily with Dr. Jenkins. I looked forward to his morning greeting and smile...especially when accompanied by Bailey. His passing is a loss not only to his family but to the world of music. May he rest in peace.
Anon
February 4, 2014
Dr Jenkins graced the new composition reading session at the Church Music Association of America's Colloquium the first year it was held at Duquesne, with his composition, but even more so with his joyous and faith-filled presence.
What a man.
It was a great honor to have met him.
Requiescat in pace
Douglas Richard
February 4, 2014
Dr. Jenkins was a beautiful person who continued to share his love of family, music, and humanity in the years since I graduated from Duquesne. I wish to express my most heartfelt condolences to his family. His mentorship and friendship are gifts that I will always treasure.
Dr. Rosemarie Piccioni
February 4, 2014
Thank you, Dr. Jenkins, for making us all love music even more than we thought we could.
Bob Hamilton
February 3, 2014
Truly a man of greatness by serving others and sharing his talent and skills. He will go on to direct Heavenly Chorals in God's spheres of holiness.
Former student : Bob Hamilton, OFS
Sister Rita Yeasted, SFCC
February 3, 2014
My sincere sympathy to the Jenkins family. I knew Dr. Jenkins in my years teaching at Duquesne and have, on occasion, sung arrangements he composed for choirs I was in. At least once he directed a choir I sang in. A wonderful and talented--and kind man. May he rest in peace.
Peg Guilbert Bowman
February 3, 2014
Dr. Jenkins was the most brilliant instructor in Orchestration, Theory, Composition... not only a teacher but a passionate advocate for young musicians-in-training. Now singing in the celestial choir. My sympathies and prayers to Dr Jenkins' family on your loss.
Cheryl Evans
February 3, 2014
I was in Dr. Jenkins' Music History class back in the late 80s. He was an inspiring teacher... made you work, made you think. I always remembered him with fondness and great respect in the years since I graduated from Duquesne University. Very sad to hear he has left us, and sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Brian Kershner
February 3, 2014
I am saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Jenkins. I studied composition with him from 1974-76 at Duquesne. He was a major influence on my life and was always kind, wise and supportive. I partly became a composer because of his example and mentorship. He will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him, a true gentleman. "For the love of St. Michael", the lights of my life grow dimmer by each passing year.
Joe Negri
February 3, 2014
To the Jenkins Family,
I never had the honor or privilege to study with Joe but I knew him quite well. He was such a warm and generous person. I met him at several functions( parties) and remember him playing the piano and leading the folks in a happy sing a long. I was surprised at how well he knew the old standards repertoire. Always enjoyed running into him at Duquesne.
Mark Hoffman
February 3, 2014
I had Dr. Jenkins for orchestration back in the 70's at Duquene University. He was without a doubt a genius in his field. His compositions are known throughout the world. I had one little thing in common with him. He loved hockey and I would see him at The Igloo back in thw 70's wearing his snow boots and carrying his umbrella. He was one of a kind. The music world has lost a giant.
Mary McCrory
February 2, 2014
Rest in peace, Dr. Jenkins. You were a kind neighbor and so devoted to Margaret and Bailey. Always a gentleman…you will be missed.
SisterCarole RIley
February 2, 2014
You made a great contribution to the harmony and spirit of the planet. I am grateful for your presence and gifted teaching in my life
Gloria Miller
February 2, 2014
I had Dr. Jenkins for orchestration back in '86-87 and have been recently reacquainted these past few months since I have been giving a monthly music appreciation presentation at Canterbury where he resided. To my surprise when I first entered the building in September, he was there in the lobby and before we were introduced by the activities director, Dr. Jenkins said he knew who I was (after 20+ years). He gave me the best compliment I could have gotten when he said my presentation was the best they have had there and was so excited that a Duquesne graduate was presenting. I'll cherish these last 5 months when he was a student in my class. Thanks for being an inspiration and now the choirs of heaven will be singing your music to you.
February 2, 2014
I was quite saddened to read of Mr. Jenkins' passing. He was an amazing and patient elementary school Orchestra teacher. I also recall him being quite talented in playing the organ for High Holy Day services at Rodef Shalom. Please accept my sincere condolences. - Jeff Pollock, Esq., Sq. Hill (SEA '76)
Rebekah Hill
February 2, 2014
I only met Dr. Jenkins after his retirement, but he was a gentle soul and a wonderful conversationalist about music. His choral pieces are also quite stunning. May he rest in peace.
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7441 Washington Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15218
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