Jared Jenkins

Jared Edward Jenkins was born on November 5, 1980, in Wheeling, West Virginia. He passed peacefully, on September 24, 2026, at OSU Wexner Medical Center, in Columbus, Ohio. His body, at only 45 years of age, failed him, but his heart never failed him, and it is his kind, loving, unselfish heart that defines him.

He grew up in Weirton, West Virginia and graduated from Weir High School in 1999. Jared’s love for people was evidenced by his friendly, outgoing nature, and he shared close bonds with many in his family, his friends, and just anyone in need of a listening ear and a warm smile.

After high school, Jared pursued a career as an electrician. Jared had a natural gift, inherited from his grandfather, W.J., and his Uncle Mark, that helped him understand how to diagnose and fix things. He was resourceful and could analyze what made things work. His last employer, R.R. Donnelley, one of the world’s largest commercial printing entities, remembered him as someone everyone liked and admired. He was dedicated, knowledgeable, and most of all, a very nice man. “You should be proud of him,” they told Jared’s mother, Joyce.

Most of all, Jared will be remembered for having a good, caring, kind heart. He genuinely cared about people, especially family, and was willing to lend a helping hand, or just make a phone call, or send a text. And if someone was in need or enduring a crisis, Jared was there for them.

Jared will be missed by so many but especially by his mother, Joyce and her husband, Tom Howard, and his brother, Jeremiah Jenkins, who he loved more than life itself. His family circle also included Step-brothers, Nick (Liz) Howard, Jay (Amber) Howard, and Kyle Howard; aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins, friends – too many to list by name, but he held a special place in his heart for each of them. Also survived by his faithful cat, Teenie, that he rescued eight years ago. Just another manifestation of Jared’s heart: his love for nature and animals.

Those preceeding Jared in death are his father, James Edward Jenkins, grandparents, Wilbur J. and Adda Belle Cutshaver, and James H. and Stella Dean Jenkins; also beloved uncles, Mark Jenkins and Lee Cutshaver.

One last act of kindness and complete unselfishness that defined Jared was his willingness to be an organ donor. His family were recipients and his wish was that if anyone could receive a gift of life from his passing, then it would be an honor to contribute to that. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lifeline Ohio using the link below.

Funeral arrangements are pending. Please check back for upcoming church service.