John Jennings

John Jennings, 91, Goshen, formerly of Martin Manor Drive, Goshen, died on June 18, 2010.   John was born August 29, 1918 in Knoxville, Tennessee 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 the love of his life, "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.  Polly preceded him in death on March 3, 2005.   He 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 incorporated the same name and established a property and casualty business that Gene Lange became the manager of and later owned in October 1, 1986.  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 a charter member of Maplecrest Country Club and a dedicated member of Eighth Street Mennonite Church.   Mr. Jennings was one of the founders of Greencroft Retirement Communities and served as 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.  His life was characterized by integrity, diligence, tireless energy, and a keen sense of humor.   He leaves to cherish his memory, three daughters, Marilyn (Jim) Berkey of Austin, Texas, Elaine (Steve) Buerge, of Fort Scott, Kansas, and Vicki Jennings of South Bend, Indiana; five grandchildren, Todd (Kelly) Berkey, Grant (Michelle) Berkey, Marc (Kim) Berkey, Nathan (Pam) Buerge, and Summer (Steve) Timperley, and 8 great-grandchildren.  He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.   A private family burial service will be held at Violett Cemetery.   The public is invited to attend the memorial service scheduled for 2:00 pm Saturday,  July 17, 2010 at Greencroft's Gathering Place at Evergreen Place, 1300 Greencroft Dr., Goshen Officiating will be Rev. Kevin Farmwald of Eighth Street Mennonite Church, Goshen.   Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Greencroft Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 819, Goshen, IN  46527-0819.