John Jenkins Jr

John C. Jenkins, Jr., 77, of Leesport, passed away on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 in his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Barbara A. Moyer who were married for 55 years. Born in Reading, he was the son of the late John C. Jenkins Sr. and Elizabeth (Wilding) Jenkins. Even through his 10-year fight against cancer and COPD, he was always outwardly cheerful and cracking jokes, singing silly songs, and sharing stories of his childhood silliness, his teenage antics, and his young adult adventures, which were always hysterically funny and frighteningly dangerousa�"but still very innocent by today's standards. He had a wonderfully unique whistling ability that his family could recognize anywherea�"even if he was not within view. As a teen, he worked numerous odd jobs and helped out in his parent's printing business (Jenkins Versatile Shop) before discovering his own passion for locksmithing, while working at Standard Key & Lock. In 1968, he founded his own business, Jenkins' Key & Lock Shop, of which he was the sole proprietor for over 30 years. He semi-retired after his cancer diagnosis, but kept doing lock-work part-time until he could no longer work. He was a US Navy veteran, honorably discharged in 1963. John was extremely proud of his grandson, Zachary, who after eagerly listening to all of the adventures of John's younger days, considered him to be "PopPop: The Man, The Myth, The Legend". John was heavily involved as a Committee Member in Boy Scout Troop 124, Laureldale, in the 1980's, which he enjoyed immensely. He was saddened that his poor health prevented him from being involved in his own grandson's Eagle Scout journey and adventures, years later. He would have loved going on the camping trips and helping Zachary with his merit badges, etc. John loved going metal-detecting around the Reading area. He also loved going to the horse races and going fishing with his buddies, playing cards with friends. But most of all, he loved his family. He always interjected funny comments into every story, making us all laugh. He had a dry sense of humor and seemingly caused a raucous everywhere he wenta�"whether it be kidding around with the waitress at the restaurant, harassing the nurses at the doctor's office or just kidding with his friends and neighbors. He was John and we loved him for it. Life for us will not be the same without him. In addition to his wife he is survived by his daughter, Karen E. Shenk, wife of R. Scott Shenk; grandson, Zachary S. Shenk; step-granddaughter, Ashley L. Shenk; brother, Michael J. Jenkins, husband of Marjorie Jenkins; and nieces, Susan(Matthew) Smith and Lauren (David) Kirkpatrick. John was predeceased by his granddaughter Courtney E. Shenk who passed away in 2002.
Interment will be at convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to McGlinn Family Regional Cancer Center 6 Avenue & Spruce Street, West Reading or The Animal Rescue League of Berks County 58 Kennel Road Birdsboro, or The Humane Society of Berks County Reading, 1801 N. 11th Street Reading. Online condolences may be made to www.beanfuneralhomes.com.