Edward "Ed" Charles Jenkins, III

Edward Charles Jenkins III.January 30, 1952, June 29, 2025.

Edward “Ed” Charles Jenkins III passed away unexpectedly following a sudden bout of pneumonia at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah, Georgia.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, to Dorothy Longbrake Jenkins and Dr. Edward C. Jenkins, Ed was the youngest of six children and grew up in Delaware, Ohio, alongside his five sisters: Ann (Harry) Farmer, Patricia (Bill) Roberts, Barbara (Mark) Stautzenbach, Martha Murphy, and Mary (Oliver) Ford.

Ed’s educational journey took him through Columbus Academy, Howe Military School, and Cranbrook. When his father fell ill, Ed returned home to be with his mother and completed his education at Delaware Hayes High School. He went on to attend Ohio Wesleyan University, where his love of music led him to play drums in several local bands.

His eye for visual storytelling earned him an apprenticeship with the renowned fashion photographer Hiro (Yasuhiro Wakabayashi), where he refined his craft and passion for photography. Though his early career began behind the lens, Ed was soon drawn into the world of politics, where he found another calling. His relentless drive and insightful intellect earned him a respected 25-year career as a trusted political researcher and behind-the-scenes force known for his tenacity and integrity. In his retirement days, Ed returned to photography and developed an online kinship with photographers from around the globe who shared his love for photography and his recounting of family stories.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Donna; his son Edward and daughter-in-law Shiva; his daughter Elizabeth; and his cherished grandchildren EV, Lalo, Zeki, and Rafi. He is also survived by his sisters, Patsy, Martha, and Mary, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends with whom he loved spending time.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Six Oaks Cemetery on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.