Obituary of Reverend Thomas H. Jenkins

Reverend Thomas H. Jenkins “Tom” 92, husband of 60 years to Nancy E. (Heimer) Jenkins went to be with his Lord on Tuesday January 5, 2021.  He lived in the Tel Hai Retirement Community, Honey Brook, PA.

Tom was born September 15, 1928 in Wilkes-Barre to the late Thomas H. Jenkins and the late Sara (James) Jenkins.

Tom grew up in Edwardsville, PA and graduated from Edwardsville High School in 1946.  Tom worked for ACME Markets and enlisted in the PA National Guard, serving from 1948 until 1952.  Tom graduated from the University of Rochester in 1958  and from the Crozer Theological Seminary in 1961.  Tom was ordained as an Elder in the Eastern PA Conference of the United Methodist Church.  He served for 45 years as a United Methodist Minister and many years as Conference Statistician.

Tom served as Minister for churches in Norristown, Philadelphia, Shenandoah, Reading, Thornton, Spring City, Easton, Thorndale, and Stroudsburg.  In retirement, he also served as Pastor of Visitation and Interim Pastor for several churches.

Tom was faithful and loved God, his churches, his family, and friends.  He was known for his friendliness, kindness, and love for helping others.  He believed that “every day was a good day” and always had a smile and cheerful greeting for everyone.

Tom enjoyed woodworking and was an avid reader.  During his 12 years living at Tel Hai, Tom volunteered with Meals on Wheels, was a frequent visitor at the Nursing Home, was Chaplain for the Veterans Group, led many Hymn sings and Bible studies, and sang in the choir.  Tom was a member of the Freemasons.

In addition to his wife Nancy, Tom is survived by his daughter Carol Cummins, wife of Edward of Spring City.  His Grandsons Colin Cummins of Spring City and Aaron Cummins husband of Rebecca of Royersford.  He is also survived by two Great Grandchildren Aiden and Lydia.

Tom is survived by his sister Sally Kotch of Hackettstown, NJ; his brother, Stuart, husband of Carol of Rochester, NJ and several nieces and nephews.

Tom was predeceased by his daughter Linda A. Jenkins.

A memorial service has been scheduled on June 12 at 2 PM at the Center for Worship and Performing Arts at the Tel Hai Retirement Community, 4000 Treeline Drive, HoneyBrook PA 19344. You are invited to visit with the family prior to the service at 1 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to:  Meals on Wheels – Chester County, 404 Willowbrook Lane, West Chester, PA 19382.  Online donations can be made at www.mowcc.org.

All arrangements are being handled by the Shalkop, Grace & Strunk Funeral Home.  Online condolences can be made at www.sgsfuneralhome.com