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Thomas A. Jenkins, 66, of Honesdale, a long-time educator and school administrator, admired leader in the community, and irreplaceable center of his family, died Wednesday evening at Ellen Memorial Health Care Center following an illness. He is survived by his loving wife of  45 years, the former Beverly Emerick.

Born in Callicoon NY, he was the son of the late Edgar F. and Alice J. Tegeler Jenkins. He was a 1967 graduate of  Lake Consolidated High School.  He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics Education from Elizabethtown College, a Master of Science degree in School Administration and a Secondary Principal’s Certificate from the University of Scranton, and a Superintendent of Schools Certification- Letter of Eligibility from Lehigh University.

Tom had a profound love of sports throughout his entire life. In high school he was a four-year varsity starter in soccer and baseball, and a three-year varsity starter in basketball. Tom scored a total of 890 points in his high school basketball career. He went on to letter in basketball at Elizabethtown College. Tom made his mark in the Wayne County Amateur Basketball League as well playing for Lake Ariel from 1960-1977. He coached the team from 1971-1976. Tom was the Wayne League Most Valuable Player in 1971-72. Lake Ariel won five straight season championships and five play-off championships during those years. Tom’s coaching career took him to Honesdale High School where he was Assistant Boy’s Basketball coach from 1971-1976. He served as a highly respected basketball official for over 20 years.  Tom’s expertise in all sports and his ability to lead has brought him to administrative positions in district interscholastic sports. In 2002 Tom was inducted into The Wayne Area Sports Hall of Fame and was presented with the group’s Achievement Award.

Throughout his 40 years of dedication to the Wayne Highlands School District, Tom Jenkins served as a Math Teacher at Honesdale High School, Assistant Principal at Wayne Highlands Middle School, Principal at Damascus Area School, Principal at Honesdale High School, and District Assistant Superintendent.  Prior to his retirement, he was the Superintendent of Wayne Highlands School District. For many years, Tom taught Algebra at Lackawanna College.  Tom was tirelessly committed to serving his community as an educator, administrator, and advisor to thousands of students and educators in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Tom was a dedicated community leader and served on numerous boards and committees throughout his life. He served as a member and past President of the Honesdale Lions Club, the Finance Committee Chairperson for the Central United Methodist Church, former Board Member and past President of the Wayne-Pike Red Cross, former Board Member of the Human Resources Center, former Board Member of the Wayne County Drug and Alcohol Commission, Co-Chairperson of the Wayne Area Sports Hall of Fame Committee, former Board Member and Chairperson of the Mental Retardation Advisory Committee for Lackawanna-Susquehanna-Wayne Health/Mental Retardation, Board Member of the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, Board Member of the Wayne County Family Center, former President of the Lackawanna Interscholastic Athletic Association, a Board Member for The Wayne County Public Library, the Vice-Chairman of the PIAA District 2 Athletic Committee for over 10 years and the Football Tournament Chairman for 20 years.  Throughout his life, Tom contributed to numerous other community organizations.

Tom will be greatly missed by many, many members of the Wayne County community and most of all by his family who love and adore him. His passing will leave a void in everyone’s lives but his memory will live on in the positive influence he had on so many people.

Surviving Tom are his daughter Amanda Kerna and her husband Brian of Honesdale; his son Jonathan Jenkins of Philadelphia; his beloved grandchildren Alexander and Julianne Kerna; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Katherine Jenkins; his brother Paul Jenkins; and his parents.

The family would like to thank Dr. William Dewar III, Dr. Lisa Thomas, Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Bayada Home Health Care, and Ellen Memorial Health Care Center for the exceptional care and support during his illness. They would like to extend a special thank you to Maureen McAliney, RN, Case Manager, at Hospice of the Sacred Heart for her dedication and compassion through this very difficult time.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning at 10:00 the Central United Methodist Church, 205 11^th St. Honesdale, PA, with services by Rob Kazinski, Pastor.

Friends may call Monday from 12:00-2:00pm and 4:00-8:00pm in the Wesley Room of the Central United Methodist Church.

Private Interment, Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst.

Memorial contributions may be made to Dyberry Day Camp, PO Box 1121, Honesdale, PA 18431 or The Wayne County Public Library, 1406 Main St., Honesdale, PA, 18431.