James Kevin Jenkins

Our beloved brother, son and friend, James “Kevin” Jenkins died peacefully in his sleep on December 15th in his home in Hollywood, CA with his dog Juno by his side.Kevin was born in Slidell, Louisiana, grew up in Jackson, MS and was a 1983 graduate of St. Andrews High School. Kevin became a talented artist, photographer, designer, chef and teacher.Since 1999, Kevin lived in the Los Angeles area and worked at the College of the Canyons. Most recently, he served as the College’s Chairman of the Graphic and Multimedia Design Department. He loved and inspired his students and excelled at adapting his curriculum to reflect the always evolving design industry. He strove to give his students a competitive advantage in launching their careers. Many of his students became life long friends. His latest project was a series of one-on-one interviews with leading international artists and designers that he conducted as part of his Spring 2016 sabbatical.Kevin deeply loved his family. He also made it his life’s mission to meet, nurture and support a large and diverse group of extremely talented, intelligent, loving friends from every corner of the world. In every way, they were his life and will be his legacy. Kevin loved to travel and enjoyed many extended stays in far-away places such as Spain, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Japan and especially Germany. His varied and immersive experiences enriched his life and teaching.Kevin was preceded in death by his father Terry Lee Jenkins and his mother Brenda Luster. He is survived by his stepmother, Sheila Jenkins Little, his sister Linn Huff, her husband Bill and their children Hannah and Brandon; and his brother Jeff Jenkins and Jeff’s children Jacob and Jane Claire; and Felipe Nieto.Kevin will be deeply missed by his family, his colleagues, friends and students. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: College of the Canyons Foundation, C/O Murray Wood, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Drive, Santa Clara, CA 91335 Memo: Kevin Jenkins Memorial Lecture Series.