Jesse James Jenkins

Jesse James Jenkins Sr. 85, passed away Sunday January 6th 2013 at Yakima Regional Hospital. He was born Oct. 19th, 1927 in St Joseph, La. to Henry L. and Kezziah Jenkins. Jesse married his childhood sweetheart, Lubertha Armstrong, Nov. 8, 1948 in St. Joseph, LA. After his military service they moved to West Richland, WA in 1953. They moved to Yakima in 1956 and he later built his home in East Pamona had resided there since. The couple raised 10 children together and had recently celebrated their 64th anniversary.

As a Journeyman Carpenter he worked at numerous sites throughout Washington, Idaho and Oregon such as John Day, Grand Coulee, Priest Rapids, Wanapum Dams and others. In the Yakima area he was the supervisor on various projects such as West Valley Hi Commons, Yakima Mall garage, Yakima Airport runway lighting, and YVCC, and also worked on many other projects including the Fred G. Redmond Bridge and many projects in the Lower Yakima Valley. After he retired he started his own Construction Company, Jenkins and Sons, which was quite an accomplishment considering the challenges he had to face. Jesse was well known for his strong work ethic which he instilled in his children and grandchildren.

As a young man he enjoyed baseball, he knew players names, and their stats, being inspired by his father who played in the All Negro Baseball Leagues. He liked music especially Rhythm & Blues and Country. He also loved to dance. He enjoyed farm life working his land, building and mending fences, raising cattle, attending cattle auctions, bringing home baby calves home to raise, and going to rodeos with his children and grandchildren.

Dad had an outstanding memory recalling events like his trip to New York in 1958 to attend the International Convention driving across the country with his family to attend. He was a man of patience teaching his children and grandchildren the importance of hard work and adherence to Bible principles.

Jesse was a long time member of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Some of his happiest times were spent telling others about the promises of God and attending conventions with his wife, children and grandchildren. He showed his self sacrificing spirit by serving as a long time Elder in the Christian Congregation.

In later years, as dad would travel up and down the valley he would describe the work he did and the people he knew in the area which was a source of reflection and joy for him. It seemed he never stopped working, always on his tractor, in the field, always, always thinking ahead trying to plan for the family’s future.

Mom and dad loved working together in the yard, dad mowing and mom planting flowers. They also enjoyed picking fruit from the trees they planted years ago. Dad cracked jokes with his grandkids and told stories about his kids growing up, making us all laugh.

Besides his wife Lubertha he is survived by his children, Charles and his wife Deborah, Claudia Phillips and her husband Larry, Jesse Jr. and his wife Alice, Henry and his wife Annie, Melvin and his wife Hilesha, Karen Krause and her husband Arnie, Nancy Harmon and her husband Patrick, Dale and his wife Sheila, Aaron and his wife Nagisa. He had 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Lajoy in 2006 and his parents Henry L. Jenkins and Kezziah.

Mom always appreciated Jesse’s hard work and sense of loyalty throughout the years. As a young couple dad went to look for work in Alaska and mom went home to Louisiana to wait on his return. When Jesse returned home mom recalls his return as a special memory in their lives. We will miss his smile, the good natured manner and respectful way he always treated others. We’ll never forget how he would hold his hand as he would wave hello and goodbye. Our family will miss him dearly.