Joe was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on July 4, 1939. He graduated in 1957 from South High where he was a star football and basketball player. He served in the United States Army after graduation where he played football and basketball in Okinawa, Japan. Upon returning home, he married his childhood sweetheart, Patricia Haun in 1962 and then embarked upon a career at the Knoxville Fire Department in 1963, serving the city until 1989. After his retirement from the KFD, Joe couldn't sit still so he joined his twin brother, Ray, working with Knox County Schools Carpentry Department. Joe was a member of the Charles H. McKinney Masonic Lodge #433 and was a lifelong member of Hillcrest United Methodist Church. He loved Mountain Dew, his newspaper, his plaid shirts, his cat and most of all, his grandchildren, Jake and Ella.
Joe is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Patricia; parents, Hugh and Margaret Jenkins; brother, H.B. Jenkins. He will be greatly missed by his son, Jason (Priscilla) Jenkins; grandchildren, Jake and Ella; brother, Ray Jenkins; nephews, Richard Jenkins, Alex Jenkins, Tracy Jenkins and Brian Jenkins and dear family friend, Lance Rodgers.
A graveside service will be held for Joe on Monday, November 28, 2022 at 11am in the Chapel Mausoleum at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Knoxville Firefighters Family Support Group, Knoxville Firefighters Credit Union, 5207 Shubert Road, Knoxville 37912.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryhighlandmemorial.com for the Jenkins family.
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