Obituary for Thomas Jenkins Jr.
Thomas P. Jenkins, 81, of Danville, passed away at 12:10pm, Saturday, April 14, 2018, at North Logan Health Care Center, Danville, IL. He was born on February 10, 1937, in Danville the son of Thomas and Mayme Vacketta Jenkins. He was united in marriage to Norma Altenstadter Sadler on June 15, 1968 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Danville by the Rt. Rev. Msgr. Paul Kinder.
Mr. Jenkins graduated from Schlarman High School in 1954 and from Eastern Illinois University in 1958 with a BS Degree in Education. In 1962, he received his Masters Degree from Eastern Illinois University. He then received his advanced certification in administration from Indiana State University.
He loved teaching, especially American History and loved coaching young people. He was a very dedicated educator, coach and administrator in Vermilion and Edgar counties for 33 years. He started his career at Henning Grade School, continuing on to Ridge Farm Grade School and High School, Westville Junior High, principal and director of federal programs for Danville District 118, principal at Jamaica High School, principal at Schlarman High School, principal at Mary Miller Junior High in Georgetown, principal at Chrisman High School and finished his educational career as the Superintendent of the Chrisman School District.
Mr. Jenkins received the Golder Ruler Award for excellence in Education. He served as past President of the Vermilion County High School Principal’s Association and the Danville Elementary Principal’s Association. He also served as President of the Schlarman High School Board and a member of the Holy Family School Commission. He was a past member of the IEA, NEA, and IPA educational organizations. He held an Honorary Life Membership in the Illinois Congress of Parents and Teachers Association.
Tom loved and followed the Chicago Cubs all his life as well as the Illini football, basketball, and volleyball teams. He really enjoyed playing golf, especially at the VA Course, the Back Nine. He was proud to have made 3 holes in one. He liked playing cards, traveling and going to the Masters 3 times, and listening to music. Tom was a member of the Chrisman Shakespeare Club, being the first male member of the Club. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and belonged to Holy Family Catholic Church where he served as a lector for many years.
After retirement from education he kept very busy being involved as a volunteer with the AARP Defensive Driving Program for 12 years. He also taught the Rules of the Road for the State of Illinois. For 14 years, he was the Chief Administrator of the GED exam for the local Regional Superintendent’s Office. He also volunteered at the National Junior College Basketball Tournament for many years.
He is survived by: his wife, Norma; his sister, Mary Ellen Collins of Catlin, IL; his God-Children, Rachel and Sarah Deegan of Newburgh, IN; two nieces, Mary Susan (Mark Trompeter) Collins of International Falls, MN, and Mona Kay (Richard) Elghammer of Danville, IL; a great nephew, Dean Elghammer of Champaign, IL; a great niece, Ellen Elghammer of Danville, IL; and a brother-in-law, James Altenstadter of Tucson, AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wonderful and loving aunt, Nina Battani.
Many thanks to the staff at North Logan Health Care and Transitions Hospice for their wonderful care of Tom.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am, Friday, April 20, 2018, at Holy Family Church, 444 E Main St, Danville, with Father Loftus officiating. Visitation will be 4:00pm to 7:00pm, Thursday, April 19, 2018, at Sunset-Urbas Funeral Chapel, 414 S State ST, Westville, with a Prayer Service at 3:30pm. He will be laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery, Danville. Memorial donations may be given in his name to Holy Family Catholic Church or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (Church St. New York, NY 10006). Please join his family in sharing memories, photos, & videos through his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
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