William H. Jankins

West Brookfield – William H. Jankins, 87 of West Brookfield passed away on January 4, 2025, at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester with his family by his side.

He leaves behind his sons, Steven Jankins (Kerry): Michael Jankins (Maureen); Brian Jankins (Amy): proud grandfather of Tyler Jankins, Tanner Jankins (Olivia Schmidt), Cody Jankins, Olivia Jankins, Thomas Jankins (Casey), Shelby Jankins, Aby Jankins, Lucas Jankins, and Hannah Jankins: great grandfather to Kani Schmidt and Lilo Schmidt. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Louise D. Jankins. He was predeceased by brothers Richard and George, and sisters Dorothy and Marjorie. He was born in Ware in 1937, son of the late George and Doris (Hackett) Jankins.

Bill was raised in West Brookfield, and after briefly living in Atlanta and New Jersey, returned to West Brookfield in 1966 with his wife Louise to raise their family. He was the most devoted of fathers, loving to spend time with his children in many activities (hunting, fishing, sailing, water skiing, snowmobiling). He could always be found in the stands at high school and college sporting events with Louise always by his side, cheering on his children and grandchildren.

He had many interesting careers, including working for the American Cancer Society, and owning his own business (ITAC industries)- distribution center for Reader’s Digest. His life included decades of service to the community, to organizations such as the Volunteer Rescue Squad (EMT), Historical Society, Rotary Club (past president), Chairman of the Quaboag Plantation 350th Anniversary Committee, Lake Wickaboag Boat Club (past Commodore), School Committee, and Little League baseball.

He also had a passion for local history and has volumes of pictures, postcards, and artifacts documenting the past. These were shown in a book he authored, titled “West Brookfield”, published in 2015, at age 78. He continued to share his knowledge and documents through his popular website “A Stroll through West Brookfield” and has prepared many presentations on Foster Hill, Lucy Stone, Lake Wickaboag, and Hitchcock Tavern.

Known and loved by many, and having touched the hearts and minds of West Brookfield, Bill will be missed dearly by all, especially his ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) breakfast crew, and his companion Caroline Herrin.

Calling Hours for Bill will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm in Varnum Funeral Home, 43 E Main Street in West Brookfield. A Funeral Mass will be held the following morning, Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 11:00am in the Sacred Heart Church, 22 W Main Street in West Brookfield. Burial will be held in the Pine Grove Cemetery in West Brookfield in the Spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to East Quabbin Land Trust, P.O. Box 5, 120 Ridge Road, Hardwick, MA 01037-0005 (413-477-8229)

Varnum Funeral home is honored to serve the Jankins family.
An online tribute book is available at varnumfuneralhome.com.