Charles Jenkins

(From Parker Mortuary)

Charles was born in Corona, CA on August 2, 1938 to John & Katherine Jenkins. He attended Jefferson Elementary school for kindergarten then went to St. Edward’s Catholic School where he served as an altar boy during his years there. He went to high school at CHS where he played football as a tight end/receiver winning the “Mr. Hustle” award in his junior year. He was also an avid track star and had many awards in track.

After high school he went to work at Western Electric phone company as a phone installer at the age of 18, he was then immediately drafted into the Army where he served his mandatory two year term while in the Army he earned a sharp shooter distinction.

 

He retired from the phone company at the age of 48.

Charles was a motorcycle enthusiast he owned Harley Davidson, Triumph and Indian motorcycles he also had a hot shoe business called “Jenkins Hot Shoes” where he traveled the country with his sons who raced while he made steel shoes which allowed the rider to slide into the corner. He also welded and made any repairs riders needed. His race of choice was TT, Flat Track, The Mile & 1/2 Mile. He was a regular fixture in the pits at Corona Raceway and all surrounding tracks in the Inland Empire.

In his later years he acquired multiple hot rods which he transformed into pristine machines. His Flamn 28 was showcased in the famous Petersen museum in Los Angeles, CA. He won the Hamb drag award in 2010 with his # 3 car at Mo-Kan dragway in MO. He won multiple awards and accolades for his cars. They were his pride and joy.

Charles Jenkins is survived by his four children Ronald Jenkins of Carl Junction, MO, David Jenkins of Corona, CA, Karen Cardoza of Corona, CA and Gene Jenkins of Corona, CA. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.