Lynn Phillips, regional representative of Governor Jim Justice, 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 in Buckhannon, and Annette Fetty Santilli of Clarksburg, community partner for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, received the awards from Phillips during the car show.
Jenkins was recognized for his significant community support and accomplishments. In 1988, he and his wife, Sheila, purchased the former B&R Ford in Buckhannon, renaming it Jenkins Ford. The dealership grew and eventually moved to its current location along Route 33 in 2000.
In 2014, John and Sheila acquired the Subaru and Hyundai dealership from Larry Myers, renaming it Jenkins Subaru and Hyundai in Bridgeport. The Buckhannon dealership currently employs 45 people, while the Bridgeport dealership employs 70 people.
Jenkins’s success story began at age 14 when he started working at Chenoweth Ford, walking to work daily. He began as a wash boy and gradually moved up through service, parts, and sales.
John and Sheila have three sons, Joey, Matt, and Andrew, who all work for Jenkins Automotive, and they have five grandchildren.
Annette Fetty Santilli was honored for her dedicated efforts in raising awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research. Her brother, Jim Fetty, passed away from pancreatic cancer in October 2007, motivating her to work toward ending this disease. She currently serves as the community partner for West Virginia for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN).
In 2015, Santilli 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 coordinates the West Virginia – Pancreatic Cancer Facebook Group, one of the largest in the nation, where she posts daily.
She has collaborated with the Jenkins Ford staff for two years, coordinating the Jenkins Ford Car Show, and appreciates their support for this significant cause. Her brother’s first full-time job was at Jenkins Ford, where he valued his relationship with the staff.
Annette and her husband, Sam, have a daughter, Stephanie, who is a junior at West Liberty University.
The Distinguished Mountaineer Award is one of the highest honors granted by Governor Justice, and both Jenkins and Santilli were deserving recipients.
