John Edward Jenniges

John Edward Jenniges
April 8, 1943 – August 14, 2025
John Edward Jenniges, 82, of Smyrna, Georgia, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025.
He was born on April 8, 1943, in Hot Springs, South Dakota, and graduated from Belle Fourche High School. Soon after, inspired by a sign that encouraged young men to "Join the Navy and see the world," John enlisted and proudly served for four years.
At the age of seven, John experienced the profound loss of his father, Edward, who died a hero while attempting to save a friend from drowning. That act of courage deeply shaped John's life and helped make him the loving, selfless husband, father, grandfather, and friend he became.
In 1974, John began his career with Johnson & Higgins Insurance Brokers in the bond department. A decade later, he moved his family to New Orleans to manage the J&H branch office, where he served for five years before returning to Atlanta as Managing Principal. He worked 23 years with J&H before the firm was acquired by Marsh McLennan in 1997, where he continued as a Managing Director until retiring in 2000 at the age of 57.
Throughout his career, John was dedicated to giving back to his community. He served on the boards of several organizations, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to benefit children. His service included work with the Boy Scouts of America-where he was honored with the prestigious Silver Beaver Award-as well as The United Way, the Whitehead Boys and Girls Club, Outward Bound, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and Habitat for Humanity. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, the Mayor of New Orleans presented him with a civic appreciation award.
John is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Sue; his three sons, Peter (Sara), Eric (K.C.), and Justin; and his cherished grandchildren Logan, Lucy, Conner, Claire, Avelina, John, and Olivia. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Ehrdal of Portland, Oregon; his brothers Lee (Marie) of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Jesse Wickersham of Portland, Oregon; along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Jenniges and Marie Jenniges Wickersham; his brothers Peter, Tom, and Jim Jenniges; and his sisters Marie Otradovec, Delores Croston, and Cora Saxon.
A celebration of John's life will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Carmichael Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. G. R. Graves officiating. A reception will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Lionheart School, 225 Roswell Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009. The school serves children with autism and other developmental challenges, a cause close to John's heart.