James Edward Jenkins
85, Clinton
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, 2017, at First Baptist Church in Clinton for Mr. James Edward Jenkins, 85, of Clinton, who passed away on the afternoon of Tuesday, Dec. 19. Burial followed in Coleman Cemetery in McAdams. Visitation was held from 4:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21, and from 10 a.m. until the time of the services on Friday, Dec. 22, at First Baptist Church in Clinton.
He was born on May 3, 1932, in McAdams. He graduated from Kosciusko High School where he was a proud Whippet. Visiting with other Kosciusko Whippets at high school reunions continued to be an anticipated event that he thoroughly enjoyed.
While stationed with the Air Force in Alaska, he fell in love with the beauty of the mountains and the desire to travel, a passion that led to many memorable trips around the U.S. After his military years, he returned to Jackson and attended Draughon’s Business College. It was there that he spotted a beautiful young brunette who caught his eye. Her contagious, bright smile reeled him in and his heart was forever sealed. They were married after a short courtship, a marriage that lasted 62 years. With the devotion and encouragement of his wife and parents, Mr. Jenkins earned his accounting degree from Mississippi State University in 1959. He went on to earn his CPA and work for several businesses as an accountant specializing in the oil and gas industry.
While he enjoyed crunching numbers, his number one love was his family. His five children were raised with stern and strict guidelines that were enveloped in tenderness, compassion and encouragement. His rules were clear and his expectations were above standard, yet his heart was warm and understanding. His Christian faith and daily walk have been a constant example for his children and for anyone who had the privilege of meeting him.
His 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren were truly ‘great and grand’ in his sight and it was often noted that his ‘strict disciplinary methods’ seemed to mellow as he aged.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou Haddox Jenkins; five children, Jeanne Ebey (Abe) of Denham Springs, Ron Jenkins (Melanie) of Summerville, S.C., Phyllis Peavy (Doc) of Pelahatchie, Kerry Jenkins (Tonya) of Biloxi and Thomas Jenkins (Samantha) of Madison; 11 grandchildren, Chamie Ebey Thornton, Clint Ebey, Cal Ebey, Ben Jenkins, Amber Jenkins Foster, Jep Peavy, Coleman Jenkins, Emily Jenkins, Sophia Jenkins, Savannah Jenkins and Sierrah Jenkins, and 12 great-grandchildren, Callan Thornton, Cooper Thornton, Carys Thornton, Ainsley Ebey, Casen Ebey, Owen Ebey, Samuel Jenkins, Liv Jenkins, Addison Foster, Amelia Foster, Skyla Jenkins and Clara Jenkins.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jackson Chapter of the Salvation Army.
