John Jenner ’63

The Rev. John Herbert Jenner, ‘Jack’ to so many, was called home on Monday, June 1, 2020,” his family wrote in a tribute. He was 78.

He was born in Gloversville, New York on Dec. 9, 1941 to Richard and Dorothy Jenner.

His mother was the long-time school nurse at Guilderland High School, starting in 1953. Rev. Jenner attended the Guilderland schools from 1953 until his graduation in 1959 as salutatorian.

He was very active in sports and on the school newspaper, The Guilderland Journal. Though he moved from the area as did his parents who eventually retired to Caroga Lake, he kept close ties with many classmates and friends who are still in this area.

He graduated from Hope College in 1963 and received his master of divinity degree from New Brunswick Theological Seminary in 1967.

The Classis of Schenectady licensed and ordained him and his first position was as assistant minister in First Church, Albany. He pastored Muitzeskill in Schodack Landing, New York from 1971 to 1977; in Clymer Hill, New York from 1977 to 1984; and in Hyde Park, New York from 1984 to 1989.

“Jack Jenner experienced the gift of a difficult life and through it learned the gift of bearing burdens with other people. While there are many stories that could be told, none of them are stories such as appear in newspapers,” the tribute said. “Jack’s encounters were all personal, each one dealing with some aspect of the pain and mystery of human life.

“Following his last pastorate, Jack’s life became one of encounters with individuals over a very wide geography. Through those encounters, be they a shared coffee or Bible study, Jack’s patient demeanor, love of God, and ability to share that love were a comfort and support to many. During the last while, he had begun sharing once again with groups, having established a regular bible study group at the facility where he lived, and doing Sunday worship there when requested.”

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