YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
Joe Jenkins, one of three brothers behind the operations of Jenkins Diesel Power Inc., died last night of lung cancer, his brother, Jim Jenkins, confirmed. Joe was 79.
Joe sold his ownership stake in Jenkins Diesel Power to Jim and Dan Jenkins five years ago, but remained active in the $40 million Springfield-based over-the-road trucking dealership. Jim said Joe continued to be a salesman in the company, as well as its secretary and treasurer.
Joe, Jim and Dan are the sons of Ed Jenkins, who founded the company in 1955. Joe joined the company after a 20-year career in the military, according to his Facebook page.
Joe became known in the community for scholarship donations made to Ozarks Technical Community College and Missouri State University, as well as his involvement in the Springfield Contractors Association, the North Springfield Betterment Association and as an emcee for Springfield Business Journal’s Economic Impact Awards. The Missouri House of Representatives in 2007 recognized Joe for his career in the military, business and the community.
“We have had a lot of people who have called and mourned his passing because he was involved in so many things,” Jim said. “As a person, he was fun to be around, he had an outstanding sense of humor and was well liked by most everybody.”
Jim said Joe's visitation is scheduled 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 12 at Glendale Christian Church, followed by a 1 p.m. service at the church and a 3 p.m. internment at Springfield’s Missouri State Veterans Cemetery.
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