JOHN JENNINGS

John Jennings, 91, or 1725 Juniper Place No. 305, formerly of Martin Manor Drive, Goshen, Ind., died at Goshen Hospital on June 18, 2010.

He was born Aug. 29, 1918 in Knoxville, Tenn., to Rev. William and Anna (Good) Jennings and was the youngest of 11 children.

He attended the University of Tennessee and Goshen College, where he met and married "Polly" Blosser, on April 12, 1941, in Leetonia, Ohio. They shared 63 years together raising their three daughters, traveling, wintering in Florida and enjoying their grandchildren. She preceded him in death on March 3, 2005.

John owned John Jennings and Associates Insurance Agency for 32 years. He was a leader in life insurance sales and a member of the national Million Dollar Round Table.

In addition, he used the same name and established a property and casualty business, which Gene Lange became the manager of and later owned. John had a genuine interest in others, many of whom became his clients.

As a charter member of the evening Goshen Exchange Club, John served as President.

He was also a charter member of the Maplecrest Country Club and a dedicated member of the Goshen Eighth Street Mennonite Church.

Mr. Jennings was a founder of Greencroft Retirement Communities and served as a Chairman of the Board from 1962 until 1978. Recognizing the need for elderly housing in Elkhart County, he and others endeavored to bring that dream into fruition. With vision, dedication, and a warm manner, he helped provide a multi-faceted residential environment where the elderly could live their lives with purpose, which now serves over 2,000 residents.

His life was characterized by integrity, diligence, tireless energy, and a keen sense of humor.

He leaves three daughters, Marilyn (Jim) Berkey of Austin, Texas; Elaine (Steve) Buerge of Fort Scott, Kan.; and Vicki Jennings of South Bend, Ind.; five grandchildren: Todd (Kelly) Berkey, Grant (Michelle) Berkey, Marc (Kim) Berkey, Nathan (Pam) Buerge, and Summer (Steve) Buerge Timperley, and eight great-grandchildren.

John's body was cremated at Yoder-Culp Crematory. A private family burial service, held at Violett Cemetery, followed by a memorial service was held Saturday, July 17.

Memorials may be made to Greencroft Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 819, Goshen, Ind. 46527-0819.

The family would like to express its appreciation and thanks to John's many friends and colleagues for the valued relationships shared with him over the years.