Obituary of Benjamin Jenkins, Jr.

Benjamin Jenkins, Jr. passed away peacefully at the New Jersey Fireman’s Home in Boonton on September 2, 2025. He was 86 years old.

Born in Scranton, PA, to parents Benjamin Sr. and Bertha (Moser) Jenkins, Ben was the seventh of eight children and was raised in Green Village. He attended Irvington Technical High School and settled in Mendham where he was a longtime resident. He was a man of faith and belonged to Long Hill Chapel where his family were founding members and later Hilltop Church, where he will be interred. 

Ben lived a life of service. He served his country with the United States Navy aboard the USS Intrepid, and protected his community for 42 years with the Mendham Fire Department. A devoted father, uncle, and husband throughout his life, he was loyal, loving, and always willing to help friends and family. Ben always opened his home to others, providing meals, a place to stay, guidance, and stability in their times of need.

Ben loved to travel and have adventures. He enjoyed spending time at his home in Kissimmee, FL and Disney World where he loved visiting neighbors, cruising around on his golf cart, finding backroads to explore the local area, and eating at his favorite restaurants. He took great pleasure in visits to family and friends around the country including Hawaii, Washington, New Hampshire, North Carolina and the Jersey Shore. He loved Volkswagens and antique cars, and was known around Mendham for hosting a great Labor Day party.

Ben is survived by his daughter Kimberly Lottig and her husband Justin, grandchildren Benjamin and Stella Lottig, loving companion of more than 20 years, Marianne Bruin, brother Irwin Jenkins, sisters-in-law Peggy, Julie, Claire, and Patty Jenkins, and many nieces and nephews. 

He is predeceased by his devoted wife of 34 years, Marjorie (Menagh) Jenkins, brothers Emerson, Norman, Quinton, and Hayden Jenkins, sisters Carolyn Jenkins and Marion Carter, and sister-in-law Joan. He also loved the special dogs of his life: Beau, Casey, Tiffany, Missy, and Amber. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 23, from 1 to 4 PM, with a Celebrant Service at 2pm at the Mendham Borough Fire House, 24 E Main Street, Mendham. Ben will be laid to rest with his wife Marjorie in a private family ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations in Benjamin’s memory may be made to the Mendham Fire Department.

He will forever be missed.