John W. Jenkins III, known to friends and family as “Woody,” passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at his son’s home in Waterford, Va. while visiting with family. Woody and his wife, Deborah “Debbie” Kelley Jenkins, had just celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary.
Woody was born in Baltimore, Md. in March 1951. He was just a teenager when he met the love of his life, Debbie, but those tender feelings toward her intensified at Debbie’s sweet 16 party. Woody was the lead singer of his band, “Treebeard,” which was the entertainment performing at the home of Debbie’s parents. Although he didn’t own a car, Woody would often visit Debbie, walking or hitchhiking his way back and forth to see her. Their relationship blossomed and Debbie and Woody became engaged.
A young entrepreneur, Woody succeeded in his early 20s in becoming the youngest sales manager for a Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Audi dealership, followed by opening his own highline car dealership in Los Angeles. He was remarkably skilled at closing deals and always making customers feel welcome and satisfied with their purchases. He went on to become a very successful airplane broker.
Woody was reliable and delivered on his promises, and he made friends all over the world. His son, Justin, and grandchildren follow in his footsteps in a storied and fascinating career. His family cherishes his generosity and thoughtfulness and his abundant enthusiasm for everyone he ever met.
John was predeceased by his parents, John W. Jenkins II and Catherine Ann Kleszczynski, and his brother, Jeffrey W. Jenkins.
He is survived by his wife, Deborah “Debbie” Kelley Jenkins; his son, Justin Jenkins; his daughter, Heidi Jenkins; his sisters, Rosie Caulder and Andrea Timko; his mother-in-law, Dorothy Kelley; his niece, Casey Caulder, his nephew, Jason Caulder, his grandchildren, JC Jenkins, Harlan Deborah Freidman-Jenkins, Matthew Leonard-Morgan, and Sophie Kopacz.