Roy “RJ” James Jennings, 64, of Springfield, Ore. died peacefully Feb. 26, 2022 from complications of cancer.
He was born June 29, 1957 in Springfield at McKenzie Willamette Hospital to Thomas and Mary Jennings.
He graduated from Springfield High School in 1975 where he lettered in track and cross country.
He served in the U.S. Army, most notably in Greece and Anchorage, Alaska.
He married the love of his life, Wendy Carlson, after meeting her in the cat isle of Fred Meyer. They formed a blended cat family with the two cats Roy brought from Anchorage in his car and the cats Wendy currently had. Once they loved and cared for 11 cats at one time, who were all rescued.
While living in Anchorage, Roy volunteered at an animal shelter and also volunteered at Willamalane Adult Activity Center in Springfield.
He was preceded in death by his parents Tom and Mary Jennings, his brother Tom Jennings, sisters JoAnn and Helen Downen, and his wife Wendy Carlson Jennings.
He is survived by nephew TJ Jennings, niece Jennifer Jennings, cousins Pamela Jeil and Carl Jeil, and brother-in-law John Downen.
He is also survived by mother-in-law (“Mom”) Louise Carlson, sister-in-law Debi Schmidt, niece Charissa Schmidt, nephew Matthew Schmidt and aunt Pattie Reinhart.
Phil Dietmeyer, childhood friend, and his entire family; Derek Sandin, U.S. Army buddy; Kathy Hanson of Greece and now her husband Dan were all like family to Roy.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 19, at 11 a.m. at the Mohawk Community Church 91190 Hill Road in Springfield.
In lieu of flowers consider a donation to Greenhill Humane Society SPCA 88530 Greenhill Road Eugene, OR 97402.
