William “Bill” Harmon Jenkins, age 101, of Virginia Beach, VA (formerly Wilmington, DE), passed away on 5 May 2025.
Born in Ridley Park, PA, March 16, 1924, he was the son of the late William Babb Jenkins Jr and Mary “Florence” Matthews Jenkins. Bill was a teacher at Claymont High School, Claymont, DE teaching biology (1962 - 1981). He started his career teaching at John M Clayton School, Dagsboro, DE in 1949 teaching Agricultural Science. He obtained his BS Agriculture in 1949, an MS Education in 1955, and continued graduate courses for his entire teaching career all at the University of Delaware.
Bill lived for flying; he learned to fly in the Navy during WWII and got his wings through the Navy’s Aviation Cadet Training Program (V-5). He eventually got orders to fly the Vought OS2U Kingfisher and was stationed at San Diego, CA when WWII ended, thus dodging his first bullet. Because of the GI Bill signed by FDR, Bill was able to obtain a free education from UD, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in 1949. After WWII, Bill transitioned to the Delaware Army National Guard eventually attaining the rank of 06 (Colonel); along the way, he got his Army wings flying helicopters (second set of wings) and he dodged his second bullet avoiding the Vietnam War. After retiring from teaching, Bill focused more on flying and teaching others to fly. In 2010, he was presented by the FAA with the prestigious Wright Brothers “Master Pilot” Award. By this time, Bill was flying mostly gliders. Bill last flew a few days after his 96th birthday; his log book says: “PW-6: Blue Thermal, Great Visibility, with Jim Clark CFIG. Good Flight”.
Bill was a mason, a former member of the Church of Atonement in Claymont Delaware, a member of the Lions Club and a member of Gideons International.
He is predeceased by his wives: Helen Smith Jenkins of 60 years, and his second wife Juanita Popma Jenkins of 14 years. He is survived by his children: Susan E. Jenkins Saari, Janet L. Jenkins Ogren, William C. Jenkins, three grandchildren, and one great grandchild.
A small service is scheduled for immediate family and close friends at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear, DE on May 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested you make a donation to your favorite church or charity.
