Final Salute

Timothy A. Jenkins, 77, Youngs Road, Vernon, died Tuesday morning, January 27, 2026, in the Oneida Healthcare Center.

Born in Syracuse on November 2, 1948, he was the son of Jack J. and Nancy Lee (Winn) Jenkins. A lifelong resident of the area, he was a graduate of Oneida High School, Class of 1968.

Tim grew up in his family’s business, Jay Paving Co. LLC in Oneida, established in 1958. He and his Father worked together for many years before the business was passed down to him. Tim owned and operated the business for over twenty years, continuing a reputation for hard work, reliability, and pride in a job well done.

After high school, Tim ventured to California to become a certified deep-sea diver and an underwater welder.

Tim proudly enlisted in the United States Navy to serve as a member of the Seabees. He received his honorable discharge on March 22, 1991.

In 1990, Tim met his future wife, Melody (Nelson), by way of country western dancing at the Nothing Fancy Café, in Vernon, NY. Sharing a love for country music and line dancing, they were always out on the dance floor and entered a few competitions for over 10 yrs. In May of 1998 they were united in marriage and, immediately following, established The Precious Moments Carriage Co, offering horse drawn carriage rides for others to be married.

Proud of his Irish heritage, Tim was often heard saying “Tis Himself!”

Surviving besides his wife, Melody, are four daughters, Tara Lynne Jenkins (Vincent St. James) of Cicero, Shannon (Patrick IV) Howley of E. Syracuse, Ashley Jenkins and McKayla Jenkins, both of Vernon; one son-in-law, Mike Cornish, of Canastota; two sisters, Jennifer (Dave) Jones of Beaver Falls and Jessica (Bruce) Joslyn of Oneida; seven grandchildren, Danielle Menning, Devin Menning, Matthew Cornish, Mike Cornish Jr., Michelle Cornish, Vincent St. James Jr., Gabriella St. James, Patrick Howley V, and Travis Howley; seven great grandchildren, Kyanna, Kevin, Trenten, Noah, Finley, Roman, and Willow; the mother of Tracy, Tara Lynne, and Shannon (Jan Palmer of Munnsville); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by a daughter, Tracy Cornish on June 1, 2021; and brother, Jack Jenkins on October 11, 2018.

Tim’s family wishes to express their gratitude to the nursing staff at Wynn Hospital and the Oneida Dialysis Center for the kindness and compassion shown to him.

Family and friends are invited and may call on Friday prior to the service from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 6:00 pm at the Ironside Funeral Home, Inc., 342 Main St., Oneida. Interment with Military Honors will be made in Glenwood Cemetery in the spring.

Memorial contributions may be made in Tim’s memory to Wanderer’s Rest Humane Society, PO Box 535, Canastota, NY, 13032. You may view the obituary and send the family a message of sympathy at www.ironsidefuneralhome.com
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Obituary published on Legacy.com by WKTV on Jan. 27, 2026.