Jeffrey James Jankowski

Fort Mill, SC – Jeffrey James Jankowski, born in Chicago, IL to parents Robert and Eleanor Jankowski, succumbed to his almost 7-year battle with early onset Alzheimer’s on May 13th , 2022. He passed comfortably and very peacefully at his home in Fort Mill, SC.

Together for 34 years, Jeff met his wife Janine in Akron, OH April of 1987, where they were soon married the following year. They had two perfect children, Christine [slightly more perfect] and Jack.

Jeff had a passion for all things athletics, he played football for the class of 1975 at The University of Akron where he was a Defensive End. When his football career ended, his love for working out and staying healthy did not. He could regularly be seen in a gym, or more frequently in the garage of his home, 6 days a week, lifting weights and scaring away all his daughter’s potential suitors.

He was also extremely dedicated to his 35+ year Sales career in the Tire Industry, working with Continental General Tire for more than 20 of those years and ending his time as the Vice President of North American Sales for Trelleborg. Jeff could be found traveling Monday – Friday most weeks, visiting all 50 U.S. States and more than 20 countries worldwide.

Outside of work, travel and pumping iron, Jeff never missed an opportunity to attend, and yell very loudly, for his kids at their many sporting events. He also participated as a football coach, summer swim league announcer and part-time security guard to Ryan Lochte.

Jeff’s other hobbies included listening to good music such as Boston, Chicago, Frank Valli and The Four Seasons, REO Speedwagon, ACDC and more. He also regularly believed he was the star drummer for each of these Classic Rock bands.

Standing at 6’4, 220 lbs., Jeff could, at times, come across as intimidating, but what he will truly be forever remembered as is extremely kind, compassionate, generous, and a fiercely loyal Man, Husband, and Father. His legacy lives on through his Wife, Janine Jankowski, Children, Bill Jankowski, Christine Jankowski, Jack Jankowski and his younger Sister, Kim Boulia.

Jeff’s Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 21st at 3PM at Palmetto Funeral Home [2049 Carolina Pl Dr. Fort Mill, SC 29708].

In lieu of flowers, we ask you donate to Catawba Area Agency on Aging: https://www.catawba-aging.com/donate

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