John Palmer Jenkins

John Palmer Jenkins, friend, Chief, a generous and caring member of his community, died at McCarthy Care Center on September 27, 2022 after a brief illness. He was 77 years old. Once you knew John, he was your friend forever. Best known as Chief Jenkins, John’s commitment to the village of West Barnstable and its people and the impact he had on so many throughout his lifetime will live on.

Born in Schenectady, NY, son of the late Peter Pineo and Rowena Rae (Benjamin) Jenkins, John moved with his parents to the family home in West Barnstable in 1953. As a young man, he helped with Pineo’s poultry business, relishing his “egg route,” and “life on the farm.” After graduating from high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served as a Fire Protection Specialist with the 443rd Civil Engineering Squadron, rising to the rank of Sergeant prior to being honorably discharged in 1970.

When he returned from military service, John ran for and was elected Chief of the West Barnstable Fire Department, and proudly served as Chief for 32 years until his retirement in 2005. John was a mentor to many young firefighters over the years, served as the Town of Barnstable Forest Fire Warden, and was a Trustee for the 1717 Meetinghouse Foundation. He also sold Pierce Fire Apparatus for nearly 40 years. He loved West Barnstable, its history, and its people.

Anywhere you went on Cape Cod, people knew John. He lent a hand to anyone in need and encouraged and supported those around him. Whether it was his calling the Bingo numbers at the weekly West Barnstable Firefighters Fundraiser, driving a school bus, or serving up a hot dog and chowder from his “John’s Dogs” truck at Hyannis Harbor or catering events, he had a way of pulling people in and making them feel known. Fiercely loyal to tradition and a true patriot, he loved to sing, enjoyed playing poker and other card games, and spending time with friends and family.

Many remember the way John told stories and recounted history. He had been making notes about a book he intended to write about his life on Cape Cod. Many might remember his water skiing and boating days, and his proudly skiing on ping pong paddles one day on Wequaquet Lake or zipping back and forth in front of the sandbar, water skiing on bare feet. We might remember fireman musters and Kids’ days, parades, fireworks, snow plowing, lobster bakes, and singing. He had a pet sheep named Winny and numerous dogs and critters including a duck and a rabbit named Esther. He had an awesome belly laugh and we all know that sparkle in his eye as he teased or joked. He loved a good game – horseshoes, cards, guessing how many M&Ms in a jar, or gambling on scratch tickets. He believed in doing what was right, taking care of others, and showing up. He always showed up. He will be greatly missed. Rest easy, C291.

John is survived by his brother, Peter Pineo Jenkins, Jr. and his wife Laurel of Cumberland Foreside, ME, 7 nieces and nephews: Kimberley Tracy and her husband Jeffrey Tracy of Plymouth, MA; Karin Walsh and her husband Stephen Walsh of Yarmouth, ME; Peter Pineo Jenkins, III and his wife Pauline Jenkins of Boxford, MA; Nelson Jenkins and his partner Weldy Webb of Centerville, MA; Elizabeth Dillon and her husband Thadd Dillon of Louisville, KY; Edwin Benjamin Jenkins, Jr and his wife Julie Jenkins of Carbondale, CO; Katherine Jenkins of Washburn, WI; 10 loving great-nieces and great-nephews: Josephine Tracy, Shawn Tracy, Emma Walsh, Stephen Walsh, Jr, Peter Pineo Jenkins, IV, Hanna Jenkins, Gus Dillon, Leo Dillon, Hazel Jenkins and Theo Jenkins; and numerous, dear life-long friends including his very special friend Alison Jones. He was predeceased by his brother, Edwin Benjamin Jenkins, Sr.

In memory of John and in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Barnstable County Fire Chiefs Association 1875 Falmouth Rd, Centerville, MA 02632 OR The 1717 Foundation (West Parish), 2049 Meetinghouse Way, West Barnstable, MA 02668.

Visitation is Friday, October 7th, 4-7 pm at Doane, Beal & Ames Funeral Home, 160 West Main Street, Hyannis. Service will be Saturday, October 8th, 10 am at West Parish Meetinghouse in West Barnstable with burial at the Old West Barnstable Cemetery.