"R.I.H. My cousin. You were such a wonderful man. Family and Friends were always at the forefront of your life. Much love...Beverly"
In loving memory of
Steven Lance Jenkins
January 19, 1967 - November 7, 2018
Steve arrived in this world two months early on January 19th, 1967 as he could not wait to start this adventure. Born to William and Christina Jenkins in Saugus Ca., Steves ability to connect with people began almost from birth. Barely old enough to talk Steve had to know all the neighbors and they all knew little Stevie. He was a very mischievous kid who made his parents well known by his teachers throughout elementary school. Constantly in trouble he endured years of teachers telling him he wouldnt amount to anything and would probably wind up in prison. The strong discipline, love, and guidance of his parents allowed Steve to find his outlet in athletics.
Steve, a.k.a Big Jinx, was a natural born leader and it manifested on the football and track fields. He won numerous awards, letters, and accolades. Big Jinx earned multiple All-Conference and All-State honors. He was one of the Top Football prospects in the nation. His passion for sports coupled with; the work ethic he learned from his father, and the belief that he could accomplish anything in life which was instilled by his mother, led Steve to earn a dual scholarship to Long Beach State in football and track in 1985.
At Long Beach State Steve continued to grow and develop as a person and he met the love of his life. One day while scoping out the incoming freshman ladies moving into the dorms, he spotted the one who would change his life forever, Traci L. Griffin. Traci had a profound effect on Steve, he had never met anyone as beautiful, strong-willed, and focused. Traci, as Steve would say, made him a better person. They began life as Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins on January 15th, 1988. They were blessed with two beautiful sons Deven and Dajaye. Family was everything to Steve. He devoted himself to providing the love and training his sons needed, to grow into responsible men. He was their best friend and confidant. Steve not only loved them, but their friends too; he was Pops to everybody. His love and support for his boys was unconditional. He displayed what a truly good father looks like; and was a role model in how to love God, family, and friends in good times or bad. He instilled in them the qualities that will draw them close to Jehovah, family, and friends.
Steves love for his family and life was enhanced as he started to learn about Jehovah. He loved Jehovah and demonstrated it by being baptized as one of his witnesses in July 2000. Steve was very active in his service to Jehovah spending countless hours in the ministry. Steve took up the full-time ministry in March 2017 and attended Pioneer School in August 2018. He was instrumental in starting the letter writing group to reach those not reachable in the door to door ministry. He participated regularly in the prison ministry helping those who had lost their way.
Steves genuine love and concern for people was obvious to all. Because of his warm nature and easy- going ways he could talk to all sorts of people and make them feel comfortable. When participating in the Metropolitan Witnessing he could talk as easily to the homeless as he could the business professionals, and he did just that, talked to anyone who would listen. Steve was always striving to draw ever closer to Jehovah by applying the Bibles principles and commands in his everyday life and encouraging others to do the same. As a ministerial servant in the congregation, Steve provided support and friendship to all.
During his time at Long Beach State, Steve majored in Criminal Justice which began his passion for law enforcement. Steve began his career as a corrections officer at The Federal Correctional Institute, Terminal Island, where he was named Rookie Officer of the Year. Steve achieved several career promotions due to of his strong work ethics, drive, and desire to be the best he could be. He was promoted from Counselor to Lieutenant, to Deputy Captain, to Captain. He was a member of the Special Operations Response Team (SORT) where he worked to keep people safe and restore law and order during the LA Riots. Captain Jenkins achieved great success and recognition for playing a critical role in opening the first high level correctional facility to earn a 100% compliance score in its initial ACA accreditation. Steves elementary teachers were correct as he did end up in the prison system, only he was running the prison. If not for the forced medical retirement in 2009 due to Sickle Cell, there is no doubt he would have made a great Warden.
Steve had many passions outside of the ministry, family and friends. He was a member of several car and truck clubs and has entered his prized possession, his tricked out 1992 Chevy Truck, into several truck competitions. Staying active throughout his life he enjoyed playing in law enforcement football and basketball leagues as well as working out regularly with his boys. He maintained a deep love and pride for his Cali teams the Raiders and the Lakers. Steve was Facebook before Facebook was invented, always reaching out, staying in touch and connecting with family and friends. He loved to laugh and make others laugh along with him. His personality was infectious, lighting up the room, and his compassion would warm your heart. There are no words to describe the impact he had on so many lives and how much he loved and will always be loved.
Steven is survived by his loving wife Traci Jenkins, his sons Deven Jenkins, Dajaye (Dejanee) Jenkins, his parents William and Christina Jenkins, his siblings Rochelle (Lance) Bamba, Damiean (Katina) Jenkins, his grandchildren, Catalya, Zendaya, and Parker Jenkins, his mother-n-law Deloris Griffin, sister-n-law Telli Griffin, and his nieces and nephew, Jasmine Williams, Jacara Jenkins, Jaleel Jenkins, and Gia Clouse. Many other aunts, uncles, cousins and host of loving friends.
Tributes
"With a very heavy heart, Tracy I send you and the family my most sincere condolences. I recently learned of the passing of Big Jinx, Big Jinx gave me the opportunity to work and exceed and shared valuable strategies that I utilized during my career In corrections! As I excelled during my career, Jinx was proud of each promotion that I received because he knew I was following his guidance and taking fellow co-workers on the journey as well! I can remember each promotion and conversation following my promotion with Jinx like it happened yesterday. This is a big lost to me personally, it is also a lost to the Bureau, I remember when I was promoted to Executive Assistant, jinx was happier than me and told me to show everyone Correctional Service personnel can succeed and that,I did. RIP, you will not be forgotten,Jerry McKinney/Retired Executive Assistant"
"RIP Captain Jenkins. Prayers for peace and comfort for the family."
"Its been a few hours under one month. Steve, BigJinx, Jinx, Cap, Was a truly a good and loving husband to Traci, a good father-grandfather, a good son, brother to his siblings, a good son in law, uncle, cousin and friend to all.Steve was a leader, mentor, boss always Committed To Excellence (Oakland Raiders motto.)I appreciated his friendship because we spoke candidly with one another about ups and downs on many subjects. Through his example he helped me to be a good person, husband and friend to many. Most importantly of all I appreciated that he helped me to become and maintain to be a good spiritual person and brother and confidant to many. He is now and always will be missed. We had many good times and bad times, but regarding the bad he always made the effort to apply what he learned fro the Bible and that was to cover over any problem or issue with love.I thank Traci and all the Jenkins family and extended family for the privilege of getting to know him and what he meant to all of you I am truly grateful to you all and as Steve would say ALL the time Cali Love. We can all have the opportunity to see Steve again very soon. But for now this short time hes sleeping, I just miss my friends. He epitomized the Scripture at Proverb 17:17 A true friend shows love at all times, And is a brother who is born for times of distress.Our Brother, Jinx."
"Dear Traci & Family, we have just learned about Steve's falling asleep. Of course our thoughts & prayers are with you and the boys. Sad that our last visit was for the special talk after you moved to Ocala. We too look forward to our dear sweet brother being whole again as Jehovah purposed."
"Hearing of your passing saddened me so deeply. I was a brand new case manager and Steve was the new counselor. We had so much fun working at terminal island even though it was a terrible place to work! I have so many good memories with Steve. God bless his family and god bless Steve"
"My Prayers Are With You And Your Family."
"May the Love of God keep your family strong. No greater Love than God's love. Love you family."
"My deepest condolences"
"I love you very much and will always remember you for your love for Jehovah God, family and friends. Your love has touched us all."
"Rest in peace Captain. May you find comfort now in our Savior's arms."
"It was an honor to have such a great boss, and friend as Big Jinx. He always had my back, and an open mind when it came to ideas. I havent had a supervisor since, that had the knowledge and dedication as Steve."
"I met you when we activated USP-2 as your SIS Lieutenant, as a Captain you became my mentor and a friend. You taught me so much and I will never forget you. I remember you always calling me "Rod" and me replying "Yes Boss". Bigjinx you will never be forgotten heaven has gained an angel."
"For a loving brother"
"Such a good man. Still have good memories after twenty years."
"I did not know Steve as long as most. We met a few years ago. From the first encounter I knew that he & Traci were genuine,caring, "real" people. Mentor, leader, and witness are words used to describe Steve. I was able to see these attributes as well. My heart is saddened to know that Steve is no longer on this earth. At the same time I find comfort in knowing that God makes no mistakes. No one knows the time or the hour that our Father will call us home.I pray for peace, strength, and comfort for Steve's family.With much love,Annalisa, Alexandrea, & Parker"
"RIP Big Jinx!! You will be missed brother.Fred Case"
"With deepest sympathy, gone but not forgotten.Spurlock and Family"
"I was privileged and honored to know Steve these past 19 years. He was a blessing to everyone he encountered. His faithfulness has ensured hes resting in Jehovahs memory. We are mourning our loss now. But soon we will welcome him back. Until then may all our love and support be a comfort to all who mourn and miss him. Darria"
"Our hearts are broken by the news of Steve passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Death can never take a good man away, for in the hearts of the people he inspired, the legacy remains and continuous throughout generations. RIP Dear Steve. Love Tyrone and Elizabeth"
"Today is a sad day and a happy day together. My brother and good friend Steven (Big Jinx) Jenkins is going home to be with the Lord. I will cherish the memories and pass on his knowledge as he always instructed. Love to Stevens family. Big Jinx would always start and end every conversation by saying Sir Randall Noble."
"Sending my love and prayers to my family Steve will truly be missed from the Parker and Hudson family "
"I am overcome with sadness on this day. I know that my cousins have experienced a great loss. We all will miss his friendly ways and greetings. My prayer is that our family will receive the peace that passes all understanding during the days to come."
"Im so so sorry for you loss, Steve was a marvelous human being !"
"Thank you for being there when knowledge, and guidance was needed throughout my career in the BOP. I'm a better Lieutenant due to working side by side with you at U.S.P Atlanta, FCC Colman. God bless, and may you rest in peace."
"You were the best Son-n-law a mother could ever hope to have. A piece of me left when you went on to rest. I am saddened by your absence but at peace that you are at rest. Will always have love in my heart for you.Forever Ma."
"Captain Jenkins I really don't know what to say. We shared so much from the times we would work overnight to make a bust or days coming in and finding you at my computer and having to sneak into your office to get on the computer. Your faith and trust in me meant the world to me . Knowing you was there to supervise the supervisors made everyone have a little more integrity. I know you used to say trust with verification and loyalty. I would say integrity was more important because with it you didn't need to verify anything. As the years went on your faith in me guided our relationship. It was an honor to work for you, Weather we agreed or disagreed, you never questioned my loyalty and that bond of trust never broke. Thank you. I hope one day we get to walk together in paradise."
"A TRADITIONAL FUNERAL BASKET was sent on November 16, 2018Rev 21:4 And he will wipe every tear from their eyes; and death will be no more, neither will morning nor outcry or pain be anymore. The former things have passed away. Until then you will be missed. Love Vito and Alisha."
"A TROPICAL DISH GARDEN WITH FRESH FLOWERS was sent by Chad Spence on November 16, 2018"
"I would first like to give honor to Tina &BJ and their God loving family, the Jenkins. Im writing from Los Angeles California, and these words cannot express enough in this brief paragraph how you and your family have been instrumental to me in my adolescence years always keeping God First.Steven was a roll model after his father BJ who cared greatly for his children, and the nourtiring love from his mother and others around them. We cannot take material riches with us in our passing, for those are stored for us in heaven. Jesus said in my fathers house there are many mansions, if there wasnt I would not have told you so. But what Steve left behind will always be cherished, his love for his family and friends, his playfulness, his hot temper, laughter, leadership and his love for God!Sincerely,Kevin Hunter"
"Rest In Peace Brother"
"A SPATHIPHYLLUM was sent by Chantell George on November 16, 2018"
"Rest In Peace Big Cousin I love you"
"You sure will be missed."
"Truly the best "Captain" I knew. A very kind, passionate and loyal man. I am thankful for the lessons learned "trust by verification" was his motto, which I adapted that concept. The lives he touched through your correctional work service will never ever be forgotten. Heaven has truly gained an angel. May you forever rest in peace "Captain" Jenkins. My prayers to T.J. and the family."
"My condolences to the family. Captain Jenkins was a good supervisor with an open door policy that I appreciated. He will truly be missed! Trust and verify! RIH!"
"A STRUCTURED DESIGN IN RED AND WHITE was sent on November 16, 2018My condolences go to the family of Steven L Jenkins. He was a good man and dedicated son of Jehovah. It was a blessing to get to work with and know him. From Jack Jenkins Jr. and Family. RIP."
"A TROPICAL DISH GARDEN WITH FRESH FLOWERS was sent on November 15, 2018God Bless You Big Jinx. With fond memories, The McKelvy family"
"This is so hard to hear. Worked and played with Big Jinks in Lompoc. Was always a leader among men ane always could lighten up any situation without losing focus. It was an honor to know you and share alot of the same passions for sports some Dodgers some Raiders and even have you play on our softball team for awhile. My condolences to you all and thank you for sharing him with us that workee with him along the way."
"So sorry to hear the news. BIG JINX. Was awesome to have served with you and follow your leadership. Natural born leader. Also could motivate and rally those around him. Thank you for all you did. May God bless you yoir family at this difficult time."
"To Tracy and the Jenkins family, I was saddened and shocked to hear about Steve . So sorry that I could not be there, but please know that I am thinking of all of you as you celebrate his life. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.May Jehovah bless and comfort youAlthea"
"Tracy and family Im so very sorry for the loss of Steve, Captain Jenkins. Im at a loss for words. Im heart goes out to you and your children. God bless you Captain. Your friend,Renee Fryman (Bengford)"
"I had the pleasure of working with "Big Jenk" in Lompoc CA and Atlanta Ga. Can't believe he is no longer with us. He was a good man and my heart goes out to his family. May God bless comfort them."
"May you Rest In Peace, Captain Jenkins. You were always very kind to me, and I will never forget that."