John M. Jenkins

John M. Jenkins, 63, of Loves Park, IL passed away on October 2, 2025 after a short, valiant battle with cancer. He was born on June 17, 1962, in Rockford, IL, the son of Carlos and Judith (Schoknecht) Jenkins. John graduated from Harlem High School, class of 1980. He married Dona Smith on December 27, 2003 in Machesney Park. He started as an auto body technician when he was 18 years old; he was employed at Anderson Collision and City Body Shop for many years. John was a member of the Verdi Club, 3LLL Club and the SMSF Club. He enjoyed golfing every chance he had; John even accomplished a "Hole in One." John loved riding his motorcycle with Dona. He was a sports fanatic, especially the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Cubs. John was very social and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He was a selfless, outgoing, hardworking, loving, and dedicated family man and friend to many who will truly be missed.

John is survived by his wife, Dona; children, Melissa (Heath) Pierce, Amanda (Mason Woolman) Jenkins, Sammantha (Jordan Lopez) Smith, Brandi (Joe Humphrey) Jenkins; grandchildren, Adam Jenkins, Dylan Jenkins, Devin Williams, Scarlett Pierce, Jason Gates, Payton Duyne, Mason Woolman, Elijah Rogers, Brysen Barron, Madden Barron, Noah Barron, Hunter Carmona, Braxtyn Lopez, Levi Lopez, Emmersyn Wilson and Aryella Humphrey; siblings, Mike (Jill Harper) Jenkins, Dan (Crystal Wilson) Jenkins, Kristine (Mike) Murphy; mother-in-law, Janice Shipman; brother-in-laws, Bill Hevrin, John (Eileen) Shipman, Jr., and Johnny Ray Shipman; sister-in-law, Sindy (Randy Vaughn) August; numerous nieces and nephews; special furry companion, Rhyder. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Patricia Hevrin; mother and father-in-law, Sue and John Shipman.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dan and Crystal Jenkins for their loving and compassionate care and to John's friends, Tom Reynolds, Russ Owen and Tim Hailing for their support and years of friendship.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 1, 2025 at the Verdi Club, 782 North Madison St, Rockford, Illinois 61107.