John E. Jenkins, 79, of St. Clairsville, Ohio died January 24, 2020 in Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia.

He was born August 6, 1940 in Maynard, Ohio a son of the late John Edison Jenkins and Margaret Virginia Jobes Jenkins.

John was a 1958 graduate of St. Clairsville High School where he was active in basketball, baseball, track and cross country earning 9 varsity letters.  He is a lifelong member of Thoburn United Methodist Church. A well-known leader in the community, John had worked at the A & P Market, Evick Construction, the Gazette Chronicle and Valley Machine. In 1973 he began operating the very popular Jenkins Sporting Goods.

He continued being active in sports throughout his life and was dedicated to St. Clairsville youth and sports.  John and his family and friends always enjoyed their trips to his summer home in Put In Bay, Ohio.  Some of his important accomplishments include: opening the St. Clairsville Raquet Club, Owner of the St. Clair News Stand and Lemstone Christian Book Store; was named Rotarian of the Year in 2003-2004 and was recognized for 20 years of service to the St. C. Rec. Dept in 2004.  John was a Life Member of the Saints Club and co-chaired the Stadium Improvement Project, a former board member with the Boy Scouts, United Way, St. Clairsville Memorial Park, St. C. Jaycees, Administrative Board, Trustees, Long Range Planning and Memorial Committee at Thoburn UMC.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene Comas Jenkins and sister-in-law, Marianne McHugh Jenkins.

Surviving are his two children, Richard D. Jenkins and Leslie Jenkins; six grandchildren, Chris (Andrea) Jenkins, Nick Shanks, Joey (Stephanie) Jenkins, Jessica (Andrew) Shanks Salyer, Adam Shanks and Will Cuddy; six great grandchildren, Lucy, Addison, Joshua, Jace, Andrew and Jaxson; his brother, Richard E. Jenkins; niece, Kathy (Richard) Smith; his companion, Lee Dohm and her children Blake and Caty and Lee's granddaughter Caelyn.

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday from 1 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Thoburn United Methodist Church in St. Clairsville and there again on Wednesday from 11 a.m. until time of service at 1 p.m. with Rev. Tom Jones officiating.  Burial will follow in Belmont County Memorial Park Cemetery, St. Clairsville.  Arrangements are entrusted to Toothman Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Thoburn United Methodist Church or the St. Clairsville Stadium Improvement Foundation care of the Saints Club.