George P. Jenkins ’36

In our Nassau Herald George identified himself as an economics major. He did not mention that he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. In our 50-year book he used “usual” to describe his community interests. But this modest man served on the boards of many companies, including Bethlehem Steel, First National City Bank, ABC Broadcasting, and St. Regis Paper Co. George died Oct. 14, 2009, in Glen Ridge, N.J., where he had lived most of his life.

After attending Blair Academy, joining Terrace Club at Princeton, and going to Harvard Business School, George joined Metropolitan Life Insurance Co., where he spent his entire professional career. There was time out for Army duty from 1942 to 1946, after which George returned to Met Life as an investment analyst.

By 1951, George had become an assistant vice president. He rose steadily through many vice presidencies, became a director and chairman of the finance committee in 1964, and was named chairman of the board of Met Life in 1969. During New York City’s fiscal crisis in the 1970s, George, as Met Life’s chairman, was instrumental in resolving the city’s short-term debt problem.  

Our sympathy goes to George’s wife, Marian; their three sons; seven grandchildren; and his sister, Ellen Smith. We are truly proud of this most unobtrusive man who accomplished so much.