John William (Bill) Jenkins IV passed away on March 26, 2026, in Jacksonville, Florida, where he lived with his beloved wife Pattie Mudd Jenkins. He was born on November 22, 1947, in Washington DC, to Mabel Louise and John William Jenkins III. Bill was raised in Bryans Road, Maryland, in the home his father built on Jenkins Lane- a place that remained close to his heart throughout his life. He later raised his three children there, filling the home with years of love and cherished memories.

Bill attended Leonard Hall Junior Naval Academy and graduated from Archbishop Neale School in 1966. A lifelong lover of sports, he went on to attend the University of Dayton and Charles County Community College, where he played both football and baseball. Though an only child, Bill had a rare gift for connection, he never met a stranger and had an extraordinary way of making everyone feel like family. His life was defined by deep friendships, brotherhood, and a genuine warmth that surrounded him wherever he went.

Bill began his career at the Naval Base in Indian Head, Maryland, where his dedication and hard work led him to become a Senior Financial Analyst for the NSWC. While he took pride in his work, his world centered around being a devoted single father, raising his three children with laughter, guidance, and most of all love. Bill’s impact reached far beyond his own family. Whether through coaching, volunteering, or simply being present, he mentored countless young people in his community and left a lasting impact on all who knew him. After 36 years of dedicated service, Bill retired and finally embraced his lifelong dream of playing golf year-round with Pattie.

Bill was known for his pranks, quick wit, and endless stories. He could make anyone laugh and instantly feel at home. Whether coaching the young Bryans Road Skyhawks players, football and baseball at the high school, little league softball and baseball, umpiring, or celebrating his own golf club championships, he gave all he had to any and all on his team. He brought that same energy to the card table, always ready for a challenge and a good laugh.

Later in life, his greatest joy was watching his grandkids share his love of sports. He and Pattie traveled to many volleyball, football, soccer and dance competitions, always showing up with boundless support, his passionate cheers impossible to miss, and full of pride. And through it all, they could often be found on the golf course, enjoying the game and each other.

A lifelong fan of the Yankees, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Giants, Bill’s love of sports matched his love for music, especially Elvis. His Catholic faith was central to his life, and he cherished his time as an altar boy with his best friend, an early example of how much his friendships meant to him. Friends stayed at the center of his life, enjoying cruises, vacations, and countless golf trips with many. Later in life, much of his and Pattie’s time was spent traveling to many states to spend time with their large family, whom he loved dearly.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Pattie Jenkins; his daughter, Lisa Benevicz and her husband Dennis, his daughter, Tammi Harris and her husband Adam; his son, Scott Jenkins; and grandchildren: Morgan Louise Harris (26), Gracie Ann Benevicz (25), Malina Louise Harris (23), Abigail Ruth Jenkins (22), Lily Kate Benevicz (22), Mia Bella Louise Harris (20), William Lambert Jenkins (18), Stella Lynne Benevicz (16), and Bode Paul Benevicz (16).

He was preceded in death by his parents, John William Jenkins III and Mabel Louise Jenkins, and his half-siblings.

Please join the family for a memorial service at 10 AM on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Saint Mary’s Star of The Sea Catholic Church in Indian Head, Maryland, with a celebration of life immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Stroke Association, Southern Maryland Youth Organization, or simply take a moment to share a story or laugh in Bill’s honor.