Jc Jennings

J C Jennings
July 17, 1930 – July 4, 2022

On July 17, 1930, Grover Cleveland (Cleve) and Ada Smith Jennings welcomed J C, their 13 th and final
child. His name was to have been James Carl, but the doctor was too modest to allow his name to be
used, and on the birth certificate, used just the initials as place holders. The name J C took on many
iterations over the 91 years and in the Air Force his dog tags read "J only C only" creating a fun nick
name of Jonly Conly.

J C was the baby of a large farming family raised in Hawkinsville, GA. He and his brother were
responsible for farming large acreage of peas, beans, corn, cotton, rye, peanuts, and whatever crops
Cleve deemed appropriate. They also had cows that required milking, chickens, and pigs. It was a large
responsibility and J C was happiest when tending his garden and working in the fields. His childhood
memories always included rising early and working til dark and he carried that hard work ethic his entire
life.

His mother died when he was 2 ½ years old. Ada's mother was ½ Creek Indian and her father was ½
Cherokee Indian, so many of her cosmetics were created from nature. She used a poisonous berry to
create lipstick coloring and the poison entered her bloodstream and she died. J C would never allow the
women in his life to wear lipstick because of this fact. Cleve married Miss Ina but she was never wanted
to be a mother to the children, so J C's older sister (Alma) took on that role of mother for him. As a
result, family, siblings especially, were so important to him, and he raised his children to value family
over everything.

Now, that is not to say he did not have fun. J C was a wild child, loved fast cars and was known to run
moonshine on occasion. His dad was sheriff and he worked with the deputies on how to set up
roadblocks that could not be busted, and how to drive at speeds over 100 mph. He was the very best
mechanic you'll know, taught his grandsons how to rebuild motors, carburetors, and all things car repair,
and could "fix" a motor/engine to perform at race car speeds. On those country roads in his childhood
there were many drag races of which he designed and participated in.

Just shy of high school graduation the Korean Conflict was at a point that he felt he had to enlist and
assist in ending the "war". He served in the Air Force as a medic and achieved the rank of Sargent. His
stories of the mischief they got into were constant sources of entertainment for his children and friends.
When he met his lovely bride Althea Mae Swartz Jennings, he was in the reserves and since the two
started a family immediately upon marriage, he chose to leave the military after 11 years rather than to
engage in any further combat. He proudly served and was an active member of the American Legion,
supporting veterans in need.

He met Althea Mae Swartz, also the 13 th child in her family, in September 1957 and was married on
Friday, December 13, 1957. Thirteen months later, January 3, 1959, they welcomed their first child, Jane
Clarice Jennings Sullivan (Trell). Jane was named to share the initials J C J. Her weight was 6lbs and 7oz
(13) Thirteen months later on February 3, 1960, they welcomed daughter #2, Elsie Janine Jennings
Joseph, 7lbs and 6oz. This started a lifelong celebration of all things the number 13, and every Friday
the 13 th was a date night for this loving couple. Robert Anthony Jennings (Tony) was born February 2,

1961, breaking the 13 celebrations, but bringing great pride and joy to the Jennings family. Then, as a
birthday present on his 33 rd birthday, the family welcomed Jill Renee Jennings Frasier (Phil). The
Jennings family was complete.

A large family of 6 required J C to accept a career job, and he proudly drove for Roadway Trucking
Company and served as Teamsters Union Steward until his retirement. Prior to driving a truck, he was a
mechanic, screen door maker, high rise building window washer, casket maker, any job that he could
find in hard times to feed and clothe his family. The job as truck driver was ideal and he was a local
pickup and delivery driver so he was able to be home daily to enjoy his family. He took great pride in
watching his children participate in sports, drama club presentations, chorus, band, and academic bowls.
He encouraged all things of interest to his children and demanded they give every endeavor their best
effort. He was the very best role model for his children and raised successful confident adults.

When grandchildren (Matthew Autrell Sullivan, Leonida Elizabeth Sullivan Hurst (Bobby Hennesy);
Charles David Hicks (Kasey); Adrian Brook Hicks Bagley (Cody); Stephanie Taylor Hicks Norton (Patrick)
were born, he extended the same love and support to them, and again, taught life skills, shared travel
adventures, and created a loving family environment with a love of God and strong Christian values.

The Great-grandchildren (Dylan Autrell Sullivan (Ashley); Travis Autrell Sullivan (Ryleigh); Alexis Jane
Hurst; Hailey Ann Hurst; Elizabeth Kate Hurst; Sonny Rae Hicks; Charley Josephine (Jo) Hicks; Sadie Brook
Bagley; Beau Mitchell Bagley; Ada Mae Norton) stole his heart and he and they share a unique bond that
only a Poppa/Pop/Da can share.

J C received numerous awards for his CDL driving abilities including winning a truck rodeo. He was a
senior Olympian and represented Georgia in shuffleboard, pool, and speed walking in the National
competitions for five years. He was the bus driver for the senior center and the Bartow County Garden
club after his retirement, taking the groups such as the Bartow County Bootscooters to the National
Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC, to NYC, and all over Georgia for performances.
Meals on Wheels was the mission he supported the strongest and he coordinated and delivered meals
through the churches and county organizations until COVID took away the ability to visit. He served as a
volunteer at the hospital to shuttle people from their vehicles to the hospital. He also walked the halls
with his coffee offering support, hugs and comfort to people having surgery, suffering illness, and
waiting on loved ones to receive treatment. He provided transportation to people unable to drive to
appointments in Atlanta, Chattanooga, and Marietta.

The life of J C Jennings cannot be summed up easily, his legacy lives in the lives of his wife, children,
grand-children, great-grand-children, and those who were fortunate enough to know him. A great man
who leaves a huge void with his passing.

A celebration of life memorial service officiated by Michael Tuttero, will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 8, 2022, at Heritage Baptist Church, 1070 Douthit Ferry Road, Cartersville, GA 30120.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the organization near and dear to his heart; (Checks can be written and mailed to) American legion Carl Boyd Post 42, PO Box 516 Cartersville, GA 30120