James (Jim) Clifford Jenkins, age 82, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 18, 2023. Jim was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend was born on January 13, 1941, in Houston, Texas. He attended Reagan High School where he excelled in Track. Following high school, he married his true love and started a family and a long career at Hughes Tool Company. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Jenny Sue McGee Jenkins, infant son, Roger Matthew Jenkins, daughter Carrie Sue Chow, grandson, Tanner James Rankin and parents Clifford Matthew Jenkins and Laura Modine Pearson Jenkins.
After a recent diagnosis of liver cancer, Jim chose to live his remaining days at home surrounded by his loving family and friends. He is survived by his children Julie Rankin (David), Tracey Gergen (Matthew) and Chris Jenkins and brother Carroll Day (CD) Jenkins (Carol Jean). He was the proud grandfather “Pecaw” to Kristin Gergen, Bailey Rankin Jacobs (Jordan), Dustin Rankin (Marisa), Carla Chow and Steven Gergen (Catherine). He was great-grandfather to Nora Jacobs (6), Wade Rankin (2), Louise Gergen (1) and Joleen Rankin (due in August).
James was an extremely hard worker and spent over 50 years at Hughes Tool Company, which later became Baker Hughes. He was known for his vast tool engineering knowledge and commitment to his career.
James loved the outdoors and traveling. He shared these joys with his family with frequent trips fishing and hunting in Galveston, Matagorda, Port Aransas, and Wimberley. These annual vacations created life-long memories of BBQ, dominos and board games that are forever cherished. In his later years, he wanted “bucket list” trips and traveled with his children to the Grand Canyon, Palo Duro Canyon and Fairbanks Alaska to see the Northern Lights. Per his request, his last adventure will be to Port Aransas to spread his ashes where Sue’s were scattered.
A visitation for James will be held on Monday, July 24, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Heights Funeral Home, 1317 Heights Blvd., Houston, Texas, 77008.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heightsfuneralhome.com for the Jenkins family.
