Richard Alan Jenkins

Richard Alan Jenkins, 69, Rockwood, Tennessee passed away peacefully but unexpectedly on April 5, 2026. He was born in Akron, Ohio on May 22, 1956 to the late Betty (nee Smith) Jenkins and Albert (Ted) Jenkins. Rick was a 1974 graduate of Cuyahoga Falls High School and earned his degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1979 with a major in News Broadcasting. His career took him to California where he worked for NBC News Los Angeles for over thirty years as an engineer. He received an Emmy Award during his time at NBC.

He was loved and will be missed by his wife of thirty years Bonnie (nee Fetterman), sisters Lyn Llorens-Bridge and Nancy (Micky) Jenkins both of Cuyahoga Falls, niece Megan (nee Llorens) Glazen (Brian) of Solon, Ohio and nephew Brant Llorens of Cuyahoga Falls. He will be missed by grand nieces and grand nephews and friends. 

Rick possessed a quick wit and enjoyed his time with family and friends. His sense of humor could generate a laugh at a moment's notice. He possessed a lifelong passion for music of all genres and played a number of instruments including trombone, guitar, and bass. He was a member of both the marching band and Gold Tones jazz ensemble in high school. He was also invited to participate in the Akron Jazz Workshop.  It was at a high school band reunion that he and Bonnie Fetterman, a former class and band mate ignited a friendship that led to their marriage. Rick enjoyed putting bands together with friends to play "gigs" during his years in Los Angeles. His diverse collection of recordings in multiple formats including vinyl provided hours of listening enjoyment. He dearly enjoyed golf, initially learning from and playing with his father as a young boy. Despite some health challenges later in life he always looked forward to gathering friends for a round of golf. Upon their retirement Rick and Bonnie retired to the mountains of Tennessee outside of Knoxville where he enjoyed the tranquil beauty and peace. He was captivated by history and enjoyed touring Civil War battlefields.

Per Rick's request cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held. A celebration of life is being planned.