Michael D. Jenkins

Michael Dwayne Jenkins of Crown City, Ohio, 79, lived a life defined by compassion, hard work, and generosity. He was born on February 8,1947 in Jackson, Ohio, to Orvie Edsel Jenkins and Ival Marcelle (Speakman) Jenkins. He grew up on a small country farm where he learned to work hard and to love sports and not so much the farm. He brought warmth, kindness, and a little bit of spunk to everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Michael graduated from Jackson High School in 1965. He enlisted in The United States Navy August 22,1968 and served on the USS John W. Weeks during Vietnam. After his discharge on May 3, 1970, he enlisted in the United States Navy Reserves and served a total of almost 27 years for the United States.

In 1968 Mike met Mary Louise Sickles. On September 20,1969 Mike and Mary were married and moved to the Naval Base in Norfolk, Virginia. They have been married almost 57 years.

Throughout his life, Michael was known for his love of family, educating young minds, and the game of basketball. Whether spending time with family, coaching, or traveling to his favorite golf destinations, he approached life with enthusiasm and generosity.

His family was at the center of Michael's world. Every time we had an event, he would do everything he could to be there. From school plays to ball games to History Day, you could count on him to be his family's biggest fan. He loved his grandchildren with the greatest and purest love. It was a beautiful sight to watch him love and care for each of them.

Among many gifts were his love for basketball and education. Mike loved ALL kids. He wanted every child to learn and grow. He devoted so much of his life to the sport of basketball. He began his teaching career at Southeastern High School in Ross County. Then, in 1980 he moved to Hannan Trace High School where he led the Boys basketball program with integrity and devotion. At the closing of Hannan Trace he coached and taught at River Valley and ended his coaching career at South Gallia High School in 1999. He spent 27 years of his life coaching remarkable students in multiple sports. After his retirement in 1999 he continued teaching at Hannan West Virginia and then at Buckeye Hills Career Center. Michael’s legacy can be seen in the lives touched by his compassion, wisdom, humor, and love.

While we mourn Michael’s passing, we celebrate a remarkable life and the countless memories that continue to inspire us. He will be remembered not for the years alone, but for the joy, kindness, and love shared along the way.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Louise (Sickles) Jenkins; children, Mark (Tammy) Jenkins, Tracey (Chris) Burnette, Tim (Abby) Jenkins; grandchildren, Kirstin (Ethan) Prohl, Taylor (Gage) Rhoades, Megan (Jace Black) Jenkins, Michael Jenkins, Connor Jenkins, Tyler Jenkins, Charlotte Jenkins; great grandchildren, Emerson Louise Prohl, and Louella May Rhoades; brothers, Gilbert (Sandy) Jenkins, Roger Jenkins. Mike is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Melvin Jenkins

There will be a visitation at Willis Funeral Home,on Saturday, June 13th from 11-1pm followed by the celebration of life at 1:00 pm. Please consider joining us for this celebration and share some of your favorite memories of Mike.

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation, to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. https://alzfdn.org/support-us/other-ways-to-donate

Forever loved, deeply missed, and gratefully remembered.