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Frederick Jenks Obituary
Rick Jenks resided in Tallahassee with his wife, Lynn Priestley, a local artist. In addition to his beloved Lynn, he is survived by his son Andrew Jenks, a school psychologist in Jacksonville, and sister Marylee Hershey and family of Pennsylvania. He was the son of the late Frederick Lynn Jenks, Sr. and Mary "Boots" Jenks formerly of Olean, New York.
Rick, aka "The Sheik" and "El Gato" is also remembered as one of the original charter members of the Tallahassee Soccer Association (TSA) in 1982. He played goalkeeper for the Tallahassee Blues for seven years, 1986-1994, and was a youth soccer coach in Tallahassee for 13 years. Dr. Jenks was a professor emeritus at Florida State University, having joined the faculty in 1971. As a member of the faculty of the College of Education, he designed and directed the internationally-recognized doctoral and master's programs in Teaching English as a Second/Foreign Language (TESL/TEFL), which he led for more than twenty years. Jenks served as major advisor for fifty doctoral dissertations and more than 300 master's degree recipients. He founded and directed the Center for Intensive English Studies (CIES) at FSU now named the Frederick L. Jenks Center for Intensive English Studies which was dedicated in his honor earlier this year. CIES has educated thousands of students and continues to do so, to strengthen their English language skills to prepare for full-time study at English-speaking universities and professions. Directing CIES was his passion from 1979 to 2002. From late 1996 through 2000, he was the Director of Florida State University Panama Canal Branch campus in the Panama Canal Zone. A popular speaker and writer, Jenks published and delivered over 100 keynote addresses and papers at international and national conferences. Recently he was an adjunct professor at Flagler College, a Fulbright Scholar and Senior Specialist, a legal expert witness in second language assessment and an advocate in the Florida legislature for public-school English language learners. His profession never felt like a job. He truly loved his work. Rick was highly involved in his college fraternity, the Pan Sophics of Grove City College and their upcoming 100th anniversary next September.
He was a super Dad and fabulous husband, he is missed.
A private event is being planned by the family. Donations in his memory can be made to The Center for Intensive English Studies, 145 Convocation Way, PO Box 3061271, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1271.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Jenks
Helengene Wilson
November 28, 2010
A wonderful personality has left this World. He and my brother Bill Geise were great friends in High School and beyond- they were quite a twosome! I shall miss him.
November 14, 2010
Dear Lynn and Andy...Our heartfelt condolences. Rick was a super ambassador for the OHS Class of '59 & a boyhood chum. We will miss him greatly.
Annie & Chuck Clarke
Carmen Sualdea
November 7, 2010
Dear Lynn and Andy,
I am very saddened because of this loss. He was part of a critical period in my life when I was relatively new to America. He always was there when I needed him and directed my disseration as if he were a friend and colleague with his cozy, classy and charming demeanor. I am glad that I could be a part of his farewell tribute on November 6th.
His presence will be always felt.
Smadar Messer
November 6, 2010
Dear Lynn and Andy
I am still in shock but am processing and accepting the fact that Dr. Jenks is not with us. He will be missed and constatly remembered with great love, appreciation and admiration. The kindest man I have ever known, the most dedicated teacher and a loyal friend. I have been thinking of him constatly and recalling his words of encouragement. Being so far away, in Israel, his existence gave me a lot of encouragement and guidence accross the miles. I have the pictuer of the old building of CIES with his dedication just in front of me on my dest and I feel his presence always.
I am confident that he is watching over all of us with his somewhat shy smile.
Dear friends, take comfort knowing that he loved you all and was a genuine person who wanted always what is good for his fellowmen.
May God help you accept this physical absence. He will always be in our hearts and in yours and the memories he has left will sustain us.
A big hug to you Lynn and Andy
Abrazo as Dr. Jenks used to sign off his communications with me
love and peace
Smadar Messer
Tel Aviv
Israel
George Dawson
November 3, 2010
I worked with Rick for many years at FSU as a colleague. After our respective retirements I missed what was the almost daily contacts with him. His wit, intelligence, and energy became few as the opportunity to visit each other diminished. It is hard to think that there will be no interaction with him in the future. I have fond memories. Good bye dear friend.
Susanne Blessing Hepworth
November 3, 2010
Lynn and children, it is with a heavy heart that I send my condolences to you. A piece of me has gone with Rick. He was one of the brightest stars in OHS's Class of '59, and one who always found the humor in any situation. Keep the good memorie, as will we, his former classmates.
Judy Metcalf
November 1, 2010
We were sad to hear of Rick's passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. He will be missed. Judy and Frank Metcalf
class" 59"
Jane Moore
November 1, 2010
Rick always had a smile and made you smile no matter how you felt. He was such a giving and fun person. We will cherish all the fond memories.
Jane Barclay Moore
Class of '59
Sandy Jones-Milne
November 1, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. It was way too soon. I have many happy memories of Rick...especially from the 7th grade class at the Jr High in Olean, NY and of his Mom and Dad at "Pick-Ups" where the class of "59" spent many "after school" hours.
Paul and Pauletta Corwin
November 1, 2010
We were saddened to hear of Rick's passing. His accomplishments were magnificant. Our sincere condolences. He will truly be missed.
Tim Barton
November 1, 2010
We will miss our Class of 1959 buddy. He was one of the great ones.
Sondra Taylor-Furbee
October 31, 2010
Lynn and Andy,
I am so, so sorry that you have lost Rick. Selfishly, I am sorry to have lost such a dear friend but know the loss of your father and the loss of your spouse cut to the bone. Andy, what a lucky person you are to have grown up with Rick as your father. Lynn, I know you are thinking that the time was too short- but what a wonderful time it was! I saw the change in him when he found you and could see how very much he cherished you. The unbearable hurt will dull but the love and memories won’t. I certainly don’t know what is beyond, but I keep seeing a vision of Rick and Bert having a smoke and a laugh together, telling stories of a well-lived life.
Sondra
Darlene Long
October 31, 2010
I remember Rick as one of the really nice guys playing TSA mixed league soccer back int the 1980's. He was always a good sport and fun to play with and against. He would smile and joke with his teammates on the sidelines. My prayers are with his family at this time.
Jan McNeil
October 30, 2010
Lynn, Andy, and Marylee, Sincerest condolences especially to each of you and indeed to all of us who knew and loved Dr. Jenks so much. I'm sure all of us have wonderful stories to tell about him. He was so very special in so many ways.
October 29, 2010
i heave a heavy sigh..i know you and andy are strong and will trudge on...buttttt it still hurts and leaves a hole..even i feel a bruise..cause rick was one of the good guy and even tho he wore hip boots and swung a shovel.....HE WAS STILL SINCERE.. and he always made me feel welcome....i will miss knowing hes in this world...now hes telling stories in the next,,love and miss you...maryellen
October 29, 2010
Rick sidetracked me into ESL from my intended profession as French teacher over 20 years ago--and I haven't looked back since. He has educated, mentored and supported many, and we are all so much richer for it. Thank you, Rick, for everything! It has been an honor and a pleasure knowing you on earth--now I'm waiting to see what shenanigans and practical jokes you'll come up with from "the other side". Love, Peace and Blessings, Debbie Kerr
October 29, 2010
As his student he was a mentor and supportive friend to me. He was always a delight to be around, always fun and interesting, so full of stories. He seemed to always be full of energy and new ideas, never older. He will be missed. Reyn Peterson
Steve and Helen Carothers Edwards and family
October 29, 2010
Please accept our sincere condolences.
Vincent DiPasquale
October 29, 2010
Ellen and I are so very sorry to hear that "Dr.Rick has passed away.He was an awesome man and a very special person.Our condolences to his family.Vincent & Ellen DiPasquale
Bob and Linda Pickup
October 28, 2010
Lynn, Andy, and Marylee,
Words escape me. I loved being around Rick as he was a real "pip". Always making Linda and I laugh with a great story about the Olean days with our "different" family. It was a cast of characters for sure. And no one told a story about the "Pickup's" better than cousin Rick.
We will miss Rick so much but Lynn and Andy, you are always welcome in Gulfport. See you soon.
Love, Bob and Linda Pickup
October 28, 2010
lynn, i am so very sorry to hear the sad news. rick and i had a nice friendship over the years going back to when he was teaching at fsu. mostly, we told jokes and laughed over silly things that men laugh at. he was always fun to "bump into" somewhere in tally, i will miss him as you will. my love and prayers to you. tony avitable
William Curry
October 28, 2010
Rick was a great friend and Fraternity Brother! So many memories I can't begin to list them , but they are all good!
Kathy & I send our deepest condolences to Lynn and
Rick's son Andrew! He will be missed a great deal, but always in our memories!
Sincerely,
Bill & Kathy Curry
Keith
October 28, 2010
Lynn and Andy...Rick may have left the building, but as long as he is in our hearts, he is still with us. He's meant so much to my life, it's hard to explain--except that you already know how much he's meant to you. Knowing Rick has blessed us all. For Rick, having the two most important in his life with him was a huge blessing.Let's keep his spirit alive.
Eleni Pappamihiel
October 28, 2010
Lynn and Andy our hearts go out to you. Rick was truly one of a kind.
Maria Samuel
October 27, 2010
Lynn and Andy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the family. Dr. Jenks was an amazing professor, mentor, and human being. We, at CIES, are very proud of being part of his legacy. May he rest in peace. We will miss him dearly! Hugs..
October 27, 2010
Lynn, Andy and Marylee,As a cousin,I've known Rick for over 60 years. I've got fond memories of him, his parents, Marylee, Andy and of course Lynn. They are ALL wonderful. He was like a brother! He fought this last episode like a true warrior right to end. I'll never forget him just as I won't ever forget you three. Patti was so glad to meet Lynn and Andy and of course Rick this past winter. Love to you all! Dana & Patti ( Fillmore, NY)
Pete Brooks
October 27, 2010
Lynn and Andy, our hearts go out to you. A lovely obituary, to be sure, of which Rick would be so happy an proud. He will definitely be missed by many. I loved Rick's sense of humor, which I've said on many occasions, and the sound of his laughter. He left us with some great outbursts of such. I'll never forget the day you guys invited me to go with our to that park west of Tallahassee.
Mike McAuley
October 27, 2010
Andy...my thoughts are with you and your family always. I remember your dad and the fun he had at your house parties in Riverside. You have been a good friend; Dr. Jenks was surely most proud of the legacy he leaves behind in his son. I hope that you can find comfort in the days ahead.
October 27, 2010
Lynn, Andrew, Marylee, So sorry to hear about Rick. I never got a chance to know Rick, he was gone when we came fo visit Uncle Freddy and Aunt Boots. But looking at his picture and seeing he looked like his dad and if he was anything like his dad then I known him. Bob Space (Holland N.Y.)
Linda (Space) Wood
October 26, 2010
Lynn, Andrew and Marylee and family,
I was so saddened to hear that rick is gone. Knowing him he would want you all to be strong. The tears may flow, but there always will be a smile along the way. Hang onto the the memories. Love you guys.
kathy judd
October 25, 2010
I only met Rick a few times, at TESOL conventions, but his infectious warmth was instantly evident. You couldn't help having a good time in his presence. Elliot treasured his friendship and often told stories of their shared times, and despite Rick's own health issues, he was always a great support to his friends.
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