John Francis Jennings

John passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Sunday 15th March 2026, doing what he loved, in a place he loved.

A loving Husband to Deb, Incredible Dad to John, Becky, Kim and the late Michelle. Cherished Grandad, Brother, Brother-in-law and Uncle. A friend to so many and giver to all.

Funeral service to take place on Friday 17th April 2026 at 1:30pm at St Werburgh’s Roman Catholic Church, Chester. Followed by Committal at Chester Crematorium.

Those attending John’s service are invited to meet on Eastgate Street, near to the Eastgate Clock for 12:45pm and join the family in walking behind John on his final journey through the city he loved.

Let’s come together to celebrate an incredible gentleman, full of love.

John Jennings, a hero to many.

John was a larger than life character with a huge personality. A sad loss to all who knew him. With a particular mention to EPRC and the running community as a whole. R.I.P my friend.

A little message too say I’m so sorry for the loss as John was such a nice wonderful person

Well John wat can I say we grew up together in hoole you come from a lovely family I just can’t believe this has happened but you died doin wat you loved doin there is a lot of sad ppl in Chester in shock you are reunited with your beautiful daughter RIP John you wonderful man xx

There really are not any words to make things feel easier because it’s such a loss cherish the memories John left behind and know just how much he loved you all such a fun cheeky kind strong man love too all xxx

So sorry to hear this. John was a great character, friend and was very supportive to all fellow runners.

John was my best friend. Thank you for always being there for me! I miss you my brother 💔. Rest in peace JJ,

John was one of those rare people whose presence made the world a better place. Kind-hearted, energetic, and endlessly generous, he brought all kinds of people together—whether through running events, or through the many charity events he worked so hard to organise. His warmth and easy smile made everyone feel welcome, and his impact on this community will be felt for years to come. RIP John

I first met John in 1998 at Shotton boxing club ! Always showed great commitment and loyalty to the lads and club ! Had many a good spar with him , and always Had a laugh ! Always full of life and nothing held him back , great family man always helping otheres and his dedication to charity Showed what a great person he was ! RIP John

I met John when i was 14 and he took me and Michelle to Liverpool for a day out he was always so much fun to be around and he was such a rock to me when my Dad passed away. It gives me some comfort knowing you are now with my beautiful best friend again. Im really going to miss you mate x

I can’t find the words to express My sadness at the Loss of this Great Man. We worked together on so many Charity Fundraisers for Different Chester Based Charities. John was the Biggest ever fundraiser for Miles of Smiles in its 30 year History. I also helped Him fundraise for The Hospice of the Good Sheperd, MIND and more recently the Martin Gallier Project Chester. I will carry on Your work this Year Fundraising at The Cock o’ Barton. R.I.P. My friend. Taken far too soon.❤️

Pine Grove neighbours growing up. . A friend to my brothers Alan and Geoff in particular and well known to the Hoole community. You should be proud of all you did for charity, amazing kindness as well as that cheeky sense of humour! Our childhood memories will last a lifetime . May you rest in peace .

John was man who had my respect. I will forever remember John for his love of live, his passion to help others in his charity work, his antics on the roofs of Chester, his crazy fast race starts to get into the race photos and his fearless downhills. And a man taken much too early. Rest in peace John.

One of the most amazing, kind and generous people I have ever met. I feel like I can only be a better person for meeting John and I am so sad for his passing and so sorry for a world without him. He was a true gent and has done so much for charity and anyone in need. He was a nutter but with a heart of gold. John really helped me through my pain and I really hope I helped him. Rest in peace, go to be with Michelle x

John was one of the most thoughtful and kind hearted people I have ever had the pleasure of being around. His love for doing the right thing and his generosity will always be the thing I will remember. Love to all his family xxxx

The team at The Martin Gallier Project are truly saddened to hear of John’s passing. John was a true gentleman and a real-life superhero. Over the years, he raised tens of thousands of pounds and dedicated countless hours to raising awareness for The Martin Gallier Project, all in memory of his daughter, Michelle. His passion, determination and hope were truly inspiring, and something to be deeply admired by everyone who knew him. We are all incredibly grateful to have known John, and his legacy will continue to live on through the lives he helped to change.

John got me into running with him and my mum around Chester walls. He was the best motivator and will be missed, rest in peace 🕊️

I met John in a store I worked in, in Chester. We got chatting and his warmth and kindness shone through immediately. He told me about his lovely daughter Michelle and all of the charity work he did and some of his crazy roofing tales. I often thought about him, and to hear of his passing today has made me so sad. I wish to send all my love to his family and friends. xxxx

John you were a role model to all, from our school days right through your life you showed us how to do it, your generosity and unrelenting charity work will always be spoken about. Your lifestyle commitment, love for your family and zest for life is a lesson to us all. RIP my friend ♥️

John as much as I haven’t seen you for years you are the man I talk about as the legend you are, your charisma caught me the day I met you. You helped me and I hope I helped you a little with are little chats on a morning in brook st. I have no doubt you will have left a whole in everyone around yous hearts. My heart and prayers goes out to all johns family x

I 1st met John in 2007 when I became part of the miles of smiles committee. Fond memories of him being our captain for the dragon boat race which we won twice!!! Also joing him on treadmill marathons in Asda. He was a true legend ❤️ and will be missed by so many …RIP matey xxx

John was our friend and neighbour and was always on hand to help Ade and I with the roof he and Ade loved to chat about his love of art and you will be sadly missed our love to Debs and all the family RIP John ❤️

I’ve known John all my life. He regularly contacted me to check in after experiencing my own grief. A top man always doing for other people. John will be very much missed. Sending my thoughts to all his family and loved ones. Rest in peace John. Will

John it’s a pleasure to call you my friend, you are an inspiration to me. I don’t think I’ve ever met such a kind and loving soul. The generosity you show to others is quite frankly overwhelming. This terrible news will leave a massive hole in many people’s lives. You’ll be sadly missed. My thoughts are with Deb and your family.

It’s been a privilege to have known John for the last 40 years. A man who never stopped giving to others and determined to lead a full life despite the hardships that fate threw at him. John was a great human being and hopefully your family will be able to take some comfort in the knowledge that your loss is shared by so many other people who’s lives he touched. He will be missed and he will be remembered.

Such a lovely man. Condolences to all the family. He will be very much missed. 💙

So sorry to hear about John I never even knew I was in Thailand at the time and when I got back in April I tried to get in touch with him to do a job for me I couldn’t understand why he never got back to me because that’s not him then somebody mentioned it to me in the street I was so shocked what a lovely fellow I’ve known him for over sixty years kept himself very fit and a good life style he will be solely missed RIP John Fred

The Harty Family have been entrusted with the arrangements for John, all enquiries to:

Hartys of Chester Family Funeral Directors,14 Queens Park View,
Handbridge,Chester,CH4 7BU(01244) 421 214