John Jay Jenc

John "Jay" Francis Jenc was born on April 23, 1965, at George Washington Hospital and passed away at the same hospital on August 15, 2025. He attended St. Bernadette’s Catholic Grade School, graduated from West Springfield High School, and studied at North Carolina Wesleyan College. After college, Jay attended local culinary schools, earning his culinary arts certificate as a Sous Chef, and celebrated decades of success as a legendary, local music icon.

Jay started his cooking career as a chef at Greenwood restaurant in D.C. followed by The Iota Club. His ambitious spirit led him to open several restaurants in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, and he continued to share his talents at Whitey’s in Arlington, Cafe Saint X in D.C., the Willard Hotel in D.C., Westover Market in Arlington, Hill Country BBQ in D.C., and later concluded his career at Westover Market.

Once Jay became a chef, he loved to share his knowledge and passion for food. His Slovak Polish heritage blossomed as he and his brother hosted an annual December pierogi-making party for his friends and family. Jay was an excellent teacher and would guide everyone in the art of making perogies, proudly utilizing the skills he learned from his Grandma Jenc. Jay’s first passion was always music. At an early age, he wanted to play the guitar. He took lessons and really enjoyed playing.

He became the lead singer in a local popular band called “Rumors” during his high school years. While he honed his craft as a professional chef during the day, his desire to sing, and his drive to become a musical icon led him to become a successful musician by night.

Jay marketed and created a name for himself, not only on the local culinary scene, but as the lead singer in a popular local band known as Jumpin’Jupiter. As the band gained popularity, they became frequent performers at famous venues that include the 9:30 Club in D.C., the State Theatre in Falls Church, The Birchmere in Alexandria, City Winery in D.C., Hill Country in D.C., and Hank Dietle’s Tavern in Rockville, MD and several venues up and down the East coast.

Through the years Jay enjoyed a variety of other hobbies and interests. In his youth, he was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America and enjoyed camping, hiking, fishing, reading books and backpacking with friends. He loved animals, especially dogs. His Rottweiler Dieter and he shared the same personality and was one of his best friends whom he loved and adored. He enjoyed gardening and created a thriving vegetable garden each year. He was known to leave his home-grown, garden tomatoes out in front of his house for the neighbors to enjoy each summer.

Jay was an authentic, generous, larger than life kind of guy in so many ways. He always brought good spirits, laughter, a unique sense of humor, and was a gentle and playful soul with a heart of gold, exhibiting genuine friendship to everyone he met.

Jay is survived by his parents, Jack and Diane; his siblings, Denise and Greg; as well as extended family members, including aunts, an uncle, and cousins. He brought people together, made a difference in so many lives, and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Please join us on Thursday, August 28, 2025, as we come together to celebrate the life and memory of Jay at a special social gathering to be held at:

St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church

Springfield, Virginia

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will begin after the gathering at 12:00 p.m. to honor Jay’s life, legacy, and the love he shared with all who knew him.

Your presence would mean a great deal to the Jenc family, as we come together in love, remembrance, and support.

If you wish to make a contribution in Jay’s memory, the family kindly invites you to donate to one of the following organizations that held special significance to them:

Mary’s Comfort Home for Pregnant Women

(Founded by St. Bernadette’s Parish)

6200 Rolling Road

Box #523602

Springfield, VA 22152

or

Chesapeake Bay Foundation

6 Herndon Avenue

Annapolis, MD 21403

Your generosity and kindness during this time of remembrance are deeply appreciated.