William Jennings

1923 - 2017

William K. Jennings

We are saddened to announce the passing of our father Bill Jennings, on February 6, 2017, he was 93 years old.
Bill was born in San Francisco to parents Bill and Martha Jennings in 1923. He had three sisters, Dorothy, Betty and Marge. While growing up he spent his summers at the family's home in Boyes Hot Springs, where he became a life guard at the Boyes Hot Springs Pool. He attended high school at Poly High and was student body president and a star football player receiving a scholarship to Santa Clara University. World War II interrupted his schooling, he served in the Army Air Corp as waist gunner on a B-17. Bill flew 35 missions over Europe living through a crash landing and being hit in the chest with flak. He rose to the position of Staff Sergeant.
After the War Bill came home and attended The University of San Francisco and August 16, 1947 he married Nancy Fields, whom he had met in Boyes Hot Springs. Bill and Nancy went on to have four children, Bill, Alice, Kathleen, and Brian and a 68-year marriage before Nancy passed away in 2015. He went on to graduate from USF in 1948 and eventually got his Master's Degree there too.
Upon graduating from college, he took a teaching job at the San Bruno Park School District where he worked his way through the ranks to become the Superintendent of Schools for the San Bruno District. In 1978 he was elected to the position of County Superintendent of Schools for San Mateo County and was reelected several times before retiring in 1992 at the age of 69. Throughout his career, he continued to do volunteer work with The March of Dimes, Suicide Prevention Center, AARP and was a Grand Juror for San Mateo County.
Bill loved vacationing in Twain Harte, CA and started and ran (with the help of many) the BJIT (Bill Jennings Invitational Tournament), which is held there every August. His family and friends have been enjoying this Golf Tournament for 48 years now.
Bill and Nancy had eight adorable grandchildren, Caity, Greg, Will, Mike, Jeff, Tim, Brooke and Shannon.
After retirement Bill and Nancy moved to Brentwood, CA where they enjoyed their home on the golf course with beautiful views of Mt. Diablo. They also traveled the World with friends on many cruises.
Bill was a good man who touched the hearts of many and leaves behind a huge circle of friends and family that he loved and will forever love him.
A private ceremony was held in his honor.