James Melvin Jenkins

Jim was born on May 31, 1944 to Melvin and Evelyn Jenkins in Fort Hancock, NJ; raised in Knoxville,TN. After graduating from Bearden High School in 1962 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on June 20, 1962 to serve his country. He met his wife, Linda Carol New in Homestead, FL and they married in Sylva, NC on November 27, 1964. They were happily married for 57 years.

During his 20 years in the U.S. Air Force Jim worked as an Aircraft Mechanic and Munitions Specialist. A few of the many places he served were in Bien Hoa Vietnam 1965 where he received a Purple Heart; Osan, Korea; and Andersen AFB Guam. Jim also enjoyed working as an instructor at Sheppard AFB TX. He retired January 1, 1983 at Cannon AFB in Clovis, NM.

Jim earned a degree in Business Administration from Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, NM in 1985. After his military career he worked in business and the public school system before transitioning to volunteer work at Faith Promise Church and in the community. He touched many people’s lives through his faithful acts of kindness and generosity. Jim loved his family well by spending time with them, making woodworking gifts, and helping with home and auto projects.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Jenkins, whom he loved and adored; his daughter Deanna Martin and her husband, Monti Martin; daughter April Bradford and her husband, James Bradford; and son Douglas Jenkins; as well as his 6 grandchildren Monica (Martin) Hilliard and her husband Jeff Hilliard; Justin Martin and his wife Melissa Martin; Nathan Martin, Cambri Bradford, Andrew Bradford and Cole Jenkins. Also surviving is his sister, Carole (George) Gregg, brother, Ronnie (Linda) Jenkins, and brother, Mike (Kathy) Jenkins. And numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by son, Jeffery Lynn Jenkins and brother, Jeffrey Chris Jenkins.

Receiving of Friends will be held at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church Chapel on Sunday, March 20th at 6pm. The Celebration of Life service will follow at 7pm. A military service and burial will be held on Monday March 21st at 10:00am at the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery-Governor John Sevier Hwy location.