James JENNEWEIN

1929 - 2022

JENNEWEIN, James J. Tampa architect and arts patron James J. Jennewein, 93, died October 29, 2022, at the award-winning modern home he designed for his family in Sunset Park nearly 60 years ago. Jennewein built a successful local architectural career. His firm designed Tampa's John F. Germany Public Library and the Straz Center for the Performing Arts among other major projects. He was also known for his support of the Tampa Museum of Art and Opera Tampa, and his longtime leadership in the National Sculpture Society. James Joseph Jennewein was born in New Rochelle, NY, in 1929, the son of famed neoclassical sculptor Carl Paul Jennewein, originally of Stuttgart, Germany, and Gina Pirra, originally of Rome, Italy. He graduated with a degree in architecture from Syracuse University, where he met his wife of 66 years, the late Joan Wilson Jennewein. After serving as a lieutenant in the United States Navy, he was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship and spent a year in Germany advancing his study of architecture. Early in his career he worked at the New York architecture firm of Harrison & Abramovitz, where he assisted in the design of Lincoln Center, then moved to Florida to start his own architectural practice. His work as partner in McElvy Jennewein Stefany & Howard Architects and several local firms included schools, libraries, post offices, hotels, and military facilities nationwide. He served as president of the State Board of Architecture in 1972, and was elected a fellow of the American Institute of Architects in 1988. When not designing buildings, Jennewein was an avid sailor and sport fisherman. He designed and built a home on Manasota Key, where he spent time with his family and fished with his dogs Ophie and Taylor on many weekends. The Tampa Museum of Art's focus on antiquities grew from a generous bequest in 1978 of classically inspired works by Jennewein's father, one of the most significant sculptors of his day. His wife Joan, who was known for her efforts to revitalize Ybor City and promote historic preservation, died in 2019. He is survived by four children, Chris Jennewein (Emily) of Del Mar, CA; Gigi Jennewein Fenlon (Bill) of Greencastle, IN, and Tampa; Donald Jennewein (Leslie) of Tampa; and Jonathan Jennewein (Allison) of Tampa; 11 grandchildren, Hannah (Jose), Drew (Sara), Quinn, Liz, Penelope, Maddy (Kelsey), Hayden, Sarah, Paul, Nathan and Will; three great-grandchildren, Eloise, Francis and Beatrice; and a brother, G. Peter Jennewein of New Canaan, CT. Arrangements for a celebration of his life are pending. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Tampa Museum of Art Foundation.