He was born May 29, 1932 in Cheswick, a son of the late Alan M. and Jessie J. Knox Jenkins.
Rip was a 1950 graduate of Aspinwall High School.
He was a construction manager for Crossgates Bank Building Corp., St. Louis, MO.
He formerly served on the Lower Ten Mile Joint Sewer Authority and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Water Authority Boards.
Rip was well known for his involvement in the Jefferson Volunteer Fire Company since 1967. He served as Chief, Assistant Chief, President, Fire Police, among many positions he held. His involvement went beyond the local area where he was a member of the Greene County Fireman’s Association and a Past President, the Western PA Fireman’s Association and a Past President, Western PA Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs Association, Fireman’s Association of the State of Pennsylvania and was a Past Sargent of Arms, the Old Timers & Past Presidents of the Western PA Association, Gooseneckers of the Fireman’s Association of the State of Pennsylvania; Fireman’s Association of the State of Pennsylvania Fireman of the Year 2007, the Western PA Fireman’s Association Fireman of the Year 2008, the Pennsylvania American Legion Fireman of the Year 2009; and numerous recognitions and awards.
On August 4, 1951 he married, Estelle D. Smith, who survives.
Also surviving are four children, Sharon (Donald) Wood of Jefferson, David (Sarah) Jenkins of Canonsburg, Gail (James) Bowden of Jefferson, and Valerie (Norm) Strimel of Waynesburg; 10 grandchildren, Brian Wood, Dawn Wood, Julie Murphy, Jesse Jenkins, Renee Kovach, Jim Bowden Jr., Melinda Bowden, Joe Belford, Devon Belford, and Casey Belford; 15 great grandchildren; a great-great granddaughter; a brother, Edward G. (Andrea) Jenkins of Ocala, FL.
Deceased is a grandson, Dwayne Bowden.
