Stephen Walter Jenks, 78, of Largo, FL, departed this world on May 11th, 2025. He was universally adored for his easy-going nature, playful sense of humor, and unfailing kindness to others. He is survived by his two children, Nathaniel Jenks and Amber (Justin) Frederiksen, three siblings, James Jenks, Mary Johnson, and Mark Jenks, his beloved granddaughter, Naila Frederiksen, and four mischievous kitty cats.

Stephen was born in Boston, MA and shortly thereafter the family resettled in the historic town of Windsor, CT, where Stephen remained until graduating from Windsor High School in 1965. In his formative years, he developed an interest in what would become lifelong passions – theater/film and classic cars. He received rave reviews for his performances in various high school productions and was particularly enamored with a 1955 Packard that was owned by his Grammy Agnes.

After graduation, Stephen enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at bases in Texas and Mississippi before being deployed to South Korea in 1967. His final post upon return was auspiciously located in northern Indiana, for it was there that he found the love of his life, Bonnie Lynn Shafer, during a blind date arranged by friends. They were engaged on Christmas Eve in 1968 and married on June 28th the following year. 

The newlyweds lived in Indiana for a short time before moving to upstate New York. Stephen studied Hospitality Management at the State University of New York at Canton and worked in the Art and AV department. He graduated in 1972, and the young couple soon migrated south to Pinellas County, FL following in the tire tracks of Stephen’s parents, Isaac and Janet Jenks. Stephen began work in the coastal hotel industry and the sunny years that followed saw the birth of their two children, Nathaniel (1974) and Amber (1977).

In 1975, Stephen was employed at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort in Clearwater and worked in various roles until eventually becoming the Manager of Information Systems. Family life while Stephen and Bonnie raised their children was simple and content. Happy times prevailed, with outings to the beach or park, road trips to see relatives, and countless games around the dinner table. Even though Stephen’s job was demanding, he always had cheerful energy for dance recitals, soccer, and baseball games with his children.

Stephen retired in 2012, and he and Bonnie settled into a relaxing life full of family, travel to inspiring places, gardening, and tending to their omnipresent kitty cats and backyard wildlife. The birth of their granddaughter in 2013, Naila, brought a new level of fulfilment and joy into their lives. Bonnie passed away in June of 2018, and Stephen honored her passion for birding by maintaining a robust array of bird feeders to this very day. Now they can fly free together.     

Stephen will be remembered and celebrated in a small family ceremony, as per his request. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to one of the charities close to Stephen and Bonnie’s hearts:

Shriner’s Hospital for Children

https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en?campaign=655734

ASPCA

https://www.aspca.org/ways-to-give

Audubon Society

https://act.audubon.org/a/donate-temp?SelectedFrequency=6&ms=digital-fund-web-website_nav_membership_giving_donate