Regional Representative of Governor Jim Justice, Lynn Phillips presented two Distinguished Mountaineer Awards at the Second Annual Jenkins Ford Car Show benefiting pancreatic cancer research on Saturday, September 28.
John Jenkins, President of Jenkins Automotive, of Buckhannon and Annette Fetty Santilli, of Clarksburg, Community Partner for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, were presented the awards by Mr. Phillips during the Car Show.
John was recognized for his great community support through the years, and his accomplishments. In 1988, he and his wife, Sheila, purchased the former B&R Ford in Buckhannon, and renamed it Jenkins Ford. Jenkins Ford continued to grow and eventually moved to its current location along Route 33 in 2000.
In 2014. John and Sheila purchased the Subaru and Hyundai dealership from Larry Myers and renamed it Jenkins Subaru and Hyundai in Bridgeport. Currently, the Buckhannon dealership employs 45 people and the Bridgeport dealership employees 70 people.
John is truly a West Virginia success story, beginning work at Chenoweth Ford when he was only14 years, walking to work every day. He started out as a wash boy, moving up to service, parts, and eventually sales.
He and his wife, Sheila, are the parents of three sons, Joey, Matt, and Andrew (who all work for Jenkins Automotive). They also have five grandchildren.
Annette Fetty Santilli was recognized for her tireless efforts in raising awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research. Her brother, Jim Fetty, passed away from pancreatic cancer in October 2007, and since then, she has worked to help end this terrible disease. She is currently the Community Partner for West Virginia for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN).
In 2015, she received PanCAN’s National Community Advocate of the Year Award and served on the organization’s National Advisory Council. She has helped pass bills through Congress, and is the Coordinator of the West Virginia – Pancreatic Cancer Facebook Group, which is one of the largest in the nation, and she makes at least one post every single day.
She has worked with the staff of Jenkins Ford for the past two years in coordinating the Jenkins Ford Car Show and, she is very grateful for the entire staff’s support of this important cause. Her brother’s first full-time job was at Jenkins Ford and he valued his relationship with the entire staff while employed there.
Annette and her husband Sam, are the parents of a daughter, Stephanie, a junior at West Liberty University.
The Distinguished Mountaineer Award is one of the highest awards granted by Governor Justice. Both John and Annette were very deserving recipients of these prestigious awards.