James (Jamie) D Penlon November 5, 1968 - December 4, 2024

James (Jamie) D Penlon passed away peacefully, taking his last breath in the presence of many loved ones on December 4th, 2024, in Cincinnati, Ohio; he was 56 years old. Jamie was originally from Rochester, New York. From a young age, Jamie always dreamed of becoming an “army man”. A 24-year veteran of the United States Army serving at ground zero after 9/11 and in Afghanistan, Jamie fulfilled that dream. During the aforementioned deployments, Jamie was exposed to many toxic chemicals that caused him severe health issues later in life. Despite being 100% disabled in his final years, Jamie volunteered his time to raise awareness for many veterans causes to continue to serve his country. During his time of service, when not deployed he was also a member of the first responder community. When the opportunity allowed, he enjoyed being outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. In 2015, Jamie met his soulmate, Jenni and they enjoyed 9 wonderful years together filled with a fierce love for one another and a passion for service. Always inseparable, their life was filled with music, fur babies, motorcycles, travel, food, family and friends.

Predeceased by his mother Dorothy Penlon (nee Hogan) and father-in-law Jay Kappen.

Survived by his wife Jenni Penlon (nee Kappen), daughter Jessica (Chris) Wood, Parents Bill and Iva Penlon, mother-in-law Judy Kappen, sisters Michelle (Les) Dutcher and Stacey Penlon, sister-in-law Jodi (Ryan) Koebbe, brothers in law Chip Kappen, Jeff Kappen (Lisa McLaughlin) and Josh (Christina) Kappen, bonus daughter Shelby (Tyler) Fess, several nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles and other extended family and dear friends, particularly his long time best friend Jerolyn Kirby. Jamie was looking forward to welcoming his first grandchild. He also leaves behind many beloved fur babies. He will be dearly missed by his brothers and sisters in the veteran and first responder communities.

All are welcome to attend a celebration of life on January 4th in Cincinnati. More details will be forthcoming via a Facebook event which will be made public (https://facebook.com/events/s/celebration-of-life-jamie-penl/891853126490614/). There will also be a gathering in Rochester NY in the spring (details to be announced at a later time).

The family would like to give thanks to Network for Hope. Honoring Jamie’s generous wish, the gift of life was shared with many people in need through organ and tissue donation.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his name be made to a veterans or PTSD awareness organization of your choice.

Until Valhalla, Brother.