Stuart Carlyle Jenks, Jr.

Stuart Carlyle Jenks, Jr., 68, passed into whatever comes next on October 17, 2023, in Greensboro, North Carolina, after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife, Alexa McColl Smith Jenks, and her Greensboro family, stepdaughter Elizabeth Maisie Ault, and many dear friends, far and wide. He was born into this world on November 6, 1954 and preceded in death by his parents, Stuart and Mary Jenks, and his sister, Pamela Jenks. Stu was a modern-day Renaissance man if ever there was one. An extraordinarily gifted artist in many mediums, he was also a compassionate substance abuse and violence prevention counselor, massage therapist, amusement park magician, surfer, outdoor explorer, and king of the spontaneous road trip. While Stu considered himself a "Son of the South"-he was born in Virginia, raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, and graduated with a fine arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill-he spent most of his adult life in his beloved Sonoran Desert city of Tucson, Arizona. There, Stu took a course in art photography at the University of Arizona that changed his life. Stu became renowned for his nocturnal photography and especially his iconic flame spirals, winning many awards. He became the official photographer for Tucson's extraordinary Dia de los Muertos celebration each year. Stu produced two incredible series of photos, incorporating his sister Pamela's baby rocking chair and his grandmother's antique hand mirror in a variety of amazing settings. Stu was also a fine musician, playing piano, mandolin, harmonium, and bouzouki. He produced multiple albums with his signature sound. He also published 15 books, including novels, non-fiction personal chronicles, poetry, and, of course, photography. Stu was a maker of fine things to share with the world. Stu would tell you that none of this would have been possible had he not found his way to 12-step recovery. At his death, Stu had 38 years of being clean and sober. True to form, Stu was incredibly generous and compassionate with all those who sought recovery. Between that and his work as a therapist, Stu helped hundreds of people reclaim their lives. Stu was a deeply spiritual person, equally at home with The Book of Common Prayer, the teachings of the Buddha, and the benevolence of God Goddess All There Is, Stu's literary deity. If he was here, Stu would tell you this: "God does exist and yes, God does care. The trick is, you need to care about others and yourself as much as God does. No easy task, but it's worth it." And that's what Stu did-all the time. He is greatly missed. But he is ever with us, in the night, in the flames and spirals, and in the laughter, love, and light. There are 2 memorial services for Stu:1) Thur, Nov 30th,2023, 6 PM-8:30 PM at MSA Annex grounds, 267 S, Avenida del Convento Tucson,AZ 85745-contact for food/music contributions-520-245-6711.2) Sat, Dec 2nd, 1 PM at Grace St.Paul Episcopal Church, 2331 Adams, Tucson,AZ 85719