William Freeman Jenness

William Freeman Jenness, formerly of The Villages, FL, passed away peacefully in Bolingbrook, IL on October 18th, 2025 at the age of 85. Bill was born in Gloversville, NY. His parents were William H. Jenness and Mary G. McCormack. He graduated from Wilber H. Lynch High School in Amsterdam, NY and then from State University of New York Agricultural and Technical Institute at Alfred, and from Michigan State University, where he studied Urban Planning. One year, while at Alfred, Bill was chosen by his classmates to be King of the Harvest Ball. The Queen of the Harvest Ball from the previous year became his wife. Bill was married to Susan M. Will from 1962 to 1994. They lived in the Rochester, NY area where he worked as an urban planner and home builder.

In 1974, they moved their family to Coral Springs, FL, where Bill worked for the South Florida Water Management District. He and his son, Michael, started a construction business and they helped rebuild homes in the U.S. Virgin Islands following hurricane Hugo (1989). In Coral Springs, Bill was a member of the Lions Club and was active in local politics.

For more than 20 years, Bill and his partner, Doris O'Hara lived happily in The Villages, FL. He was self-employed as a building inspector and general contractor and proudly served his community as a Board Member for one of The Villages Community Development Districts. Bill loved the outdoors and going fishing, especially fly fishing. He and Doris also enjoyed music and took advantage of the many opportunities to hear live music in The Villages.

Bill is survived by Doris O'Hara, by his brother, Frederick Jenness, by his sons, James Jenness, Michael Jenness, and Peter Jenness, by his grandchildren, Eben Jenness, Eilidh Morrison, Jamie Greenert, John Jenness, Susan Jenness, Kathryn Jenness, Will Jenness, and Gabrielle Jenness, and by four great-grandchildren.

A memorial service and interment of Bill's ashes will take place in Camden, NY during the Spring of 2026. In lieu of sending flowers, please consider making a charitable contribution to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or Nature Conservancy.