As a backward plebe in January 1946, I was moved to a new room to be readjusted. One of my readjusters was John Jenkins, and on this auspicious note began a close friendship that lasted through four years as roommates, and in the Air Force until John's death. John presented a striking appearance, with his dark, wavy hair, ruddy complexion and dark dancing eyes; but for all the mildness in his expression he proved to be a perfectionist in all things.

John came to the Academy with a background of two and a half years as an aero- nautical engineer at the University of Pittsburgh, plus attendance at the University of Alabama and Lafayette College while in the Army. Combining this background with a brilliant mind, John spent little time on books. While the rest of us ploughed through texts, John got better results by scanning. Most of John's mind and time were elsewhere, and at once I was introduced to model planes and his saxophone. Many will remember with anguish the buzzing, biting noise of the engines running up in our room and shattering the quiet. South Area had little sympathy and many complaints.

The noise of John's saxophone was another matter-all clamored for it when he played in the dance band. Even in the room. there were few times when we banished John. I can vividly remember puffed out rosy cheeks, a glow of impish satisfaction, and the soulful strains of "Come Back to Sorrento" or "Body and Soul". With music and planes, John was completely at ease. The many playful "crimes", which were committed in fun but never paid for, are better left out of print. Not to be forgotten though are the huge packages from home which brightened our days. That was my original introduction to Mr. and Mrs. Howard Jenkins, John's wonderful parents, who endowed John with the fine qualities we all respected so much.

John was actually two separate personalities. On the surface he was possessed of a roguish dash and charm that none will forget, yet he never fell into the obvious pitfall of becoming shallow. He lived within himself, and few got to know the depths of warm sincerity beneath the glittering surface which apparently lived only for the moment. The command of self and situation and the air of smooth urban composure were a shell used to shield his thoughtfulness, love and real emotions. He looked beyond the present, and thought above himself. He was in actuality what we should have been and talked of being; but, for reasons he alone knew, he chose to hide this major part of himself from view. But it was there in his actions, if not his words.

If a man's worth can be measured by the impression he leaves behind, John was sur passed by none. John will always be close to all of us, and all thoughts of him bring forth a smile or laugh, for such was his effect on all. There was so much in John that spoke of promise and future fulfilment, that it becomes that much more difficult to understand why his life was cut short. The reason lies with God. We can do no more than be extremely thankful for the joy of knowing him as long as we did. I never got closer to anyone in my life, and now I understand the full import of the old Air Force saying, "Too Good to Live"
-.His Roommate,
 Raymond J. Klemmer