David Jenkins

David Etienne Jenkins, 53 of Corona, CA, passed away peacefully on May 4th, 2025, in the City of Los Angeles, CA. David was born in Flint, MI on July 6th, 1971, to Stephen Jenkins and Marcia Wright. David spent most of his childhood with his mother in Minnesota. He later moved to Michigan in his senior year of high school to live with his father Stephen, stepmother Eileen, and sisters Elizabeth and Sarah.

At age 17, David decided to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. He served honorably in the Gulf War, aiding in the Liberation of Kuwait, and was later deployed to assist in ending the Los Angeles Riots in 1992. In 1991, David met Cynthia Rosenthal, and the two were married on October 8th, 1994. Cynthia moved to Minnesota to be with David upon his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, and David found employment working on computers. The two moved again to California in 1994, and David worked as a construction laborer for H&R Masonry, his father-in-law’s business. David was later hired by United Parcel Service (UPS), a position that provided him the flexibility to consider higher education. David returned to school and graduated from the University of California, Riverside in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He then finished his master’s in counseling psychology in 2001 and was working on a PhD in Public Administration at the time of his passing.

David chose to dedicate his life to helping others in need, and dove into the mental health field in 2004. His work was focused on treating children and adults with mental health issues as a clinical therapist in Riverside County. David later transitioned into a position as a Behavioral Health Specialist in 2013, where he worked until his retirement in 2018. It was one of David’s core beliefs that there was good to be found in every person, and he was extraordinarily adept at making friends with people regardless of their background or circumstance.

David was a dedicated husband, always referring to Cynthia as the woman of his dreams and forever grateful to consider her the mother of his children. Raising three children with Cynthia, he was a hands-on father and provider for his children. David actively encouraged his children to explore their interests through extracurricular activities like swimming, water polo, music, and acting in the local children’s theater. David was known for being generous with his time, resources, and love of family, opening up his home to his father-in-law and mother in their later years. This generosity was not only focused on immediate and extended family, but also strangers in need. After years of service in the mental health field, David retired early in 2018 due to post-traumatic stress disorder and injuries sustained during his time in the Marine Corps. David spent his later years relentlessly working on overcoming these injuries while simultaneously endeavoring to finish his PhD. David spent this time living in San Bernardino and Los Angeles County with his beloved service dog Lulu. In spite of his condition and focus on healing, David never stopped sharing what resources he could to those in need. He was a strong advocate for fellow disabled combat veterans and their successful return to civilian life.

David had many hobbies and pastimes, excelling at many things. He loved spending time with his family cooking (specially making pizzas), playing with his kids in the pool, fishing, and routinely decorating the interior of his home with fresh flowers. David was a critical thinker who enjoyed reading, writing, and having thoughtful conversations about history and current events. He instilled this pursuit of knowledge in his children, encouraging them to question everything and never stop learning. He also enjoyed watching football and was never shy about sharing his enthusiasm for the Detroit Lions. David was a loving husband and an involved father. He was known and respected greatly for his patience, generosity, kind heart, wisdom, and strength of spirit, and will be greatly missed.

David is predeceased by his father Stephen and mother Marcia, and is survived by his wife Cynthia, his three children Nicholas, Savannah and Catherine, Sisters Elizabeth, Sarah and family, and stepmother Eileen. David will be laid to rest on June 5th at 11:00 AM in Riverside National Cemetery, with military honors. A celebration of life will be held immediately following the service, details of which will be shared by the family. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the DAV Veterans Rehabilitation Foundation.