Prince William County Supervisor John Jenkins dies

DALE CITY — The longest-serving Prince William County Supervisor has died.

John Jenkins, 79, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 6 at Inova Fairfax Hospital. He was suffering pneumonia after complications from knee surgery in October.

Jenkins’ family released the following statement through the Prince William County  Office:

“Supervisor Jenkins’ life was defined by his service to others. He was a decorated veteran who also served many years with Fairfax County Schools. Supervisor Jenkins has been on the Prince William Board of County Supervisors for 36 years, the longest-serving Supervisor in the history of Prince William County. Supervisor Jenkins will always be remembered for his dedicated service to the citizens of Prince William County, his faith and most of all his love for his family.

Our family is truly grateful for the care, support and kindness of the medical staff and caregivers and for the outpouring of prayers and concern from all of our many family members, friends and thousands of supporters who knew and loved him.  Details regarding services are being finalized and will be made available soon.” 

Jenkins had been absent from the Board since before he had his surgery. He was serving his seventh consecutive term and was first elected in 1982. He is survived by this wife Earnestine. 

The Prince William County Board of Supervisors must petition the Circuit Court for a special election and may not temporarily appoint someone to the seat.

We’re posting statements from those who worked with Jenkins:

Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11, Fairfax, Prince William)

“Prince William County has lost a giant figure whose legacy and imprint will live on throughout our community. John Jenkins’ life was one spent in service to his country and his community. He was a decorated veteran and the longest serving Prince William County Supervisor. He could and would move heaven and earth for his constituents. John knew your name, he knew your kids’ names, he probably even knew your grandkids’ names. He cared about people and made sure they knew it. He was my dear friend and my heart breaks for Ernestine, and the Jenkins family.”

Occoquan District Supervisor Ruth Anderson:

“I will remember Supervisor John Jenkins as a friend and mentor. He was a gentleman and a man I respected for his integrity, his concern for others, and his constant example of teamwork. As a colleague on the Board of Supervisors, I was often pleasantly surprised by his ability to reach across the political aisle to make good things happen in the Neabsco District, in Prince William County and beyond.”

Coles District Supervisor Marty Nohe:

“There is no one who loved serving this community more than John Jenkins, and it is difficult to imagine there is anyone will have the opportunity to represent what is best in Prince William County for as long as John did anytime soon. It is every bit as hard to imagine that anyone will have the opportunity to do it better. He was a great man, and a great friend.”

Former Delegate Richard Anderson (Prince William County)

“After my election to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2009, my first appointment with a local elected official was with Supervisor John Jenkins. My scheduled 30-minute meeting with him lasted for several hours and was the start of a decade-long friendship and mentorship that crossed party lines. John and I shared a bond as two people who had 30-year military careers, followed by service in elected office. He and I shared a tradition every year of trading a hand salute at the Dale City Independence Day Parade. In fact, I frequently stated in public forums that “when I grow up, I want to be John Jenkins and Chuck Colgan.” Ruth and I extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife Ernestine and their family. Prince William County will always be endebted to them for sharing John with us for so many years. May God rest Supervisor John Jenkins.”

Prince William County Brentsville District Supervisor Jeanine Lawson:

“Since my early days of watching and learning about the Board of County Supervisors, I have admired Supervisor Jenkins’ dedication to service of his country and this county. As his colleague and friend, that admiration only grew. The Neabsco District and Prince William County had a real champion in Supervisor Jenkins. He led by example, working to reach agreement in a bipartisan way, always with respect for those who both agreed and disagreed with him. This will be his legacy. A true gentleman to his core, widely respected, and deeply loved, John Jenkins will be sincerely missed. My deepest sympathy and prayers go to his wife Ernestine, his children and his entire extended family.”

Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chairman At-large Corey Stewart:

“Today, Prince William County mourns the loss of one of it’s best. For almost 37 years, Supervisor John Jenkins served his community with honor, integrity, and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the residents in the Neabsco district. He not only loved this country, but he loved this community. The Stewart family and the Chairman’s office extends their condolences to the Jenkins family and his wonderful wife, Ernestine.“

Flory Small Business Center President/CEO Linda Decker:

“We mourn the passing of John Jenkins.  His death is a loss for our entire region and particularly for small businesses.”