Rev. Russell Gibson Jenkins

The Reverend Russell Gibson Jenkins, age 99, of Overbrook, Philadelphia, PA, passed away on December 30, 2025. Beloved uncle to 14 nieces and nephews. Born in Philadelphia on April 28, 1926, to James Beebe Jenkins and Adaline Margaretta Reed, he was the youngest of ten siblings. He was baptized and confirmed at Temple Lutheran Church in West Philadelphia.

Drafted into the United States Army at 18, Reverend Jenkins served with the 4th Infantry Division in southern Germany during World War II, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. After his military service, he worked in business and volunteered with the Lutheran Inner Mission Society of Philadelphia. He later pursued a calling to ministry, graduating from Muhlenberg College and the Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia.

His pastoral career included service at Saint John's Lutheran Church Mayfair in Philadelphia, Saint John's Lutheran Church in Newark, NJ, and Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Villas, NJ. In retirement, he continued to support local congregations and provided visitation to those in need.

Reverend Jenkins' pastoral ministry was firmly grounded in a vibrant personal commitment to Jesus Christ. His dedication and service inspired the lives of parishioners and countless others who knew him.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 10am at Saint Paul's Lutheran Church, 104 South Village Avenue, Lionville, PA 19341. Friends may visit prior to the service from 9 to 10am. (The service will be livestreamed and the link is available by contacting the family.) Interment will follow at Arlington Cemetery in Drexel Hill, PA. Please note, we will not be traveling in procession to the cemetery. Please meet at the cemetery office at 12:15 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Saint Paul's Lutheran Church.