Who was Bobby Jenks' first wife? Past relationship explored as Former Chicago White Sox Pitcher dies at 44

Former World Series champion Bobby Jenks passed away on Saturday, July 4, in Sinatra, Portugal, where he was undergoing treatment for his stomach cancer diagnosis, according to The New York Times. He was 44. The news of his passing was announced by his former team, the White Soux on X in a statement that read:

"Former Chicago White Sox All-Star pitcher and 2005 World Series Champion Bobby Jenks passed away yesterday, July 4, in Sintra, Portugal, where he had been battling adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer. He was 44 years old."

Bobby Jenks, who was diagnosed with andenocarcinoma earlier this year in February, was a two-time All Star player. According to People magazine, he was living in Portugal not just for his treatment, but also be be close to his wife's family, after his family home in California burned down during the California Palisades wildfires back in January 2025. Jenks was married to Eleni Tzitzivacos, with whom he tied the knot following his divorce from Adele Romkee.

More about Bobby Jenks marriage to first wife Adele Romkee, as the former White Soux player passes away

Bobby Jenks married Adele Romkee in June 2001, after having met her in February that year. According to an article by Vance Larimer, former writer for ESPN, the couple met at a drive in a burger joint in Seattle. They would tie the knot in June, following which they welcomed their first child, a daughter named Cuma in early 2002. In an interview, Adele Romkee talked about Bobby Jenks, saying:

"Bobby's kind of like having another kid. Bobby comes off harder than he really is. He painted our baby's room, put the crib together. If you're on Bobby's good side, he'll do what he can for you."

According to Baseball Player Profiles, during this time, Jenks' career started progressing and the couple would soon welcome their second child, a son named Nolan, in July 2003. In an interview Bobby Jenks, who was previously know for his unruly behavior, admitted the calming effect his wife and children had on his life. He said:

"I really settled down. I am pointed toward my goals. It helps you focus 100 percent on the game, instead of the outside part of it, going and getting yourself in a little bit of trouble. That really helps put your head on straight, working for your family. She's the backbone of my success. She saved me as a person."

The couple were married for around 11 years until their divorce in 2012. During the course of their marriage, Jenks and Adele Romkee welcomed two more children, Jackson and Rylan. In an interview, before his divorce, Boby Jenks talked about how he had found healthy lifestyle habits because of his family. He said:

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"I no longer drink. No alcohol at all. Not even a beer here or there. Just things like that, really focusing on the future. It was a personal choice. It hadn't gotten too much. I just found myself not wanting to [drink] anymore. I just wanted to be more of a family man. Then this last year, I came to Christ and that was a big influence on my life."

Bobby Jenks, who passed away at the age of 44, is survived by his six children. Apart from four children from his first marriage, he shared two children with second wife, Eleni Tzitzivacos.

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