James M. "Jim" Jenkins

James Melton "Jim" Jenkins of Nacogdoches, Texas passed away Thursday, February 15, 2018, in Nacogdoches at the age of 76. He was born October 14, 1941, in Brownwood, Texas, to parents Robert Lee and Artie Fae (Turner) Jenkins.

Jim graduated from South Park High School in Beaumont, Texas in 1960. He was well known for his extensive music background. While attending Howard Payne University, he was founding member of the men’s quartet, The Caravelles, as a second tenor. The quartet traveled around the state recruiting for the university. As their popularity grew, the group began scheduling their own performances and concerts. When Jim left the Caravelles to attend Stephen F. Austin State University, the group disbanded and did not sing again for 36 years until their “homecoming” in 1997. Discovering that “the old sound” was still there, the quartet reunited.

When Reverend Edwin Crawford, pastor of First Baptist Church of Nacogdoches, attended an area revival where Jim was a vocalist, he was so moved by his voice that he encouraged him to transfer to Stephen F. Austin. He then offered him a position at the church while completing his studies.

While at SFA, Jim studied under renowned music professor, Dr. David Jones. When Dr. Jones heard him sing, he told him that he was not a tenor (as Jim once thought), but a baritone! After graduating from Stephen F. Austin, Jim attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary for advanced studies in vocal performance. Performing vocals in multiple languages was one of his requirements. As a student in seminary, Jim was music and youth director at Riverside Baptist Church in Fort Worth. His studies earned him a Bachelor’s of Music from SFA and a Bachelor’s of Church Music from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Upon graduation he was Minister of Music and youth at First Baptist Church in both Jasper and Marshall, Texas.

In 1976, Jim returned to Nacogdoches to become foreman of Williams Construction, manager of South Street Lumber Co., Nacogdoches Ready Mix, and later Crawford Building Materials. In 1997, he became Minister of Music and later building supervisor at First United Methodist Church until retirement in 2017.

Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing and was heavily involved in coaching his children in youth baseball and softball. He was president of The Nacogdoches Youth Baseball Association and president of the Dragon Booster Club. He and Losie shared a passion for their travels throughout the United States and abroad in their later years.

Mr. Jenkins was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Loretta Webb and Bobbie Reno.

He is survived by his wife, Delores “Losie” (Sutton) Jenkins; son, Robert Anthony Jenkins and wife Maria; and daughter, Joanna Fae Jenkins Box. Also, Kalin Kendrick, and Marcie Smith and husband Shannon.

Additionally surviving are Mr. Jenkin’s grandchildren: Ashley Nicole, Isabella Suzanne, and Evelyn Grace Jenkins; James Reagan Box; Will Kendrick and wife Anna, Luke Kendrick; and Ben Smith and Andrew Smith.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 18, 2018, at First United Methodist Church in Nacogdoches officiated by Dr. Jeff McDonald and Pastor Noel Dear. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Robert Jenkins, Reagan Box, Shannon Smith, Will Kendrick, Luke Kendrick, Ben Smith, and Andrew Smith. Honorary Pallbearers are Tip Smith, Harold Hall, Don Reno, Danny Weaver, George Barham III, Farshid Niroumand, Dick Rayne, Charles Reynolds, and all of Jim’s friends from the Thursday Lunch Bunch.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation prior to the service beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the church.

Memorial contributions be made to Love Inc. or another charity of your choice.

Please visit www.CasonMonk-Metcalf.com to leave your online condolences and memories.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, Nacogdoches.