John L. Jenkins Sr.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- John L. Jenkins Sr., a retired Transit Authority bus driver, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and family patriarch who lived most of his 79 years in Mariners Harbor, died Tuesday in Richmond University Medical Center, West Brighton.

Born in Elizabeth, N.J., he moved to Mariners Harbor with family when he was a boy.

Right after graduating from Port Richmond High School, Mr. Jenkins joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served for six years, from 1954 to 1962, when he was honorably discharged. A drill sergeant, he was stationed in Japan.

He worked for the city Transit Authority as a bus driver, mostly on the Island, until retiring in 1990.

Mr. Jenkins cherished his family and spending quality time with them, they said. He loved going on a yearly family cruise to the Caribbean and traveling to San Domingo in the Dominican Republic with his son. He also enjoyed visits to Atlantic City and playing his daily numbers.

He also was fond of long walks and music, with jazz and oldies his favorites.

"He was vibrant and full of life, and had a bubbly personality," said his daughter, Florence Townes. "Everyone loved to be with him, because he took the time to give you his full attention, and make you feel cared about and special."

Mr. Jenkins was a longtime member of Fellowship Baptist Church, Mariners Harbor.

His wife of 50 years, the former Joyce Carter, died in 2009.

Surviving, along with his daughter, Florence, are his son, John Jr.; his daughters, Theresa and Josephine Jenkins, Joyce Staten and Antionette Cox; his brothers, Prince Earl and James R.; his sisters, Syline Cheeseboro and Jacqueline Jenkins; eight grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. in Fellowship Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Silver Mount Cemetery, Silver Lake. The Virginia Funeral Chapel, Dongan Hills, is handling arrangements.

John L. Jenkins Sr. of Mariners Harbor on February 23, 2016. Beloved husband of the late Joyce Jenkins. Loving father of Florence Townes, Theresa, Josephine and John Jenkins, Joyce Staten and Antoinette Cox. Dear brother of Syline Cheeseboro, Jacqueline, Prince Earl and James R. Jenkins. Adored grandfather of eight and cherished great grandfather of eleven. Funeral Service at Fellowship Baptist Church, Mariners Harbor, 3036 Richmond Terr. SI, NY on Tuesday 10:00 A.M. Interment Silver Mount Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held at Fellowship Baptist Church on Monday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M.

Arrangements under the direction of Virginia Funeral Chapel, Staten Island, NY.