Robert L. Jenkins Sr.

Robert L. Jenkins, Sr., affectionately known as "Fish," was born on June 21, 1939 and passed away on January 14, 2026 at the age of 86. He was a loving father, beloved husband, legendary coach, longtime educator, and cherished mentor. Robert was the third of nine children born to his parents Bryant Jenkins, Sr. and Lula Mae Jenkins. His brothers and sisters were Addie Mae, Bryant, Theodore, Oliver, Annette, Marcene, Emogene, and Gloria. All of his siblings except Gloria have preceded him in death. He grew up in Detroit's historic Brewster Projects and spent his childhood in the Black Bottom neighborhood. Robert attended Tennessee State University from 1959 to 1964 on a full athletic scholarship on the swim team. While there, Robert helped to build a dynasty. The team went 29-3 during his tenure and was undefeated in 1962. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Education in 1964, later adding a Master of Science in Education from the University of Michigan in 1973. Initially pursuing pre-med, he discovered his true calling after teaching swimming to fellow students. Robert Lee Jenkins, Sr. was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated (initiated 1963). After returning to Detroit, he met Norma Jean Andrews in August 1965 while she was a student at Wayne State University. They married the following June. Robert Jenkins arrived at Northern High School in 1969 as head swim coach. Over the next three decades, Coach Jenkins built an unprecedented track record across multiple sports. 12 Swimming Championships (6 Boys, 5 Co-Ed, 1 Girls) 8 Golf Championships (5 Co-Ed, 2 Girls, 1 Boys) 4 consecutive Soccer Championships (every year the sport existed in Detroit Public Schools) 24 total championships from February 1971 through May 2014 He officially retired from Northern in 2001, but he couldn't stay away from coaching. In 2012, he was recruited to coach at East English Village Preparatory Academy. Coach Jenkins's final championship came in 2014 with the school’s Boys Golf Team. During their 59 year marriage, Robert and Norma raised two children, Marlo Rencher and Robert L. Jenkins, Jr. Robert and Norma were active and involved parents with a vibrant social life and wide circle of friends. Robert was a member of St. Matthew AME Church since 1965, serving on the Board of Trustees, the Men’s Club, and the Usher board. Robert’s philosophy was simple but profound: "If you plant a seed, and you watch it and nurture it, it will turn out to be beautiful." Over five decades, Coach Jenkins planted hundreds of seeds. Those seeds grew into doctors, educators, business leaders, and parents who passed on his lessons to the next generation. His legacy lives on in every championship banner, every scholarship earned, every life redirected toward purpose. Rest in Power, Fish. Robert leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Norma Jean Jenkins; his daughter, Dr. Marlo (Charles) Rencher; his son, Robert L. Jenkins, Jr.; five grandchildren: Landon McKinney, Mali Rencher, Imani Rencher, Robert Jenkins, III, and Jacob Jenkins, a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends; and countless athletes and students whose lives he shaped.

Robert L. Jenkins Sr.

June 21, 1939 - January 14, 2026