James Jenkins

Jim Jenkins, age 96, passed away peacefully with family at Spring Valley Care Center on Saturday, January 10. He was born and raised in Rochester, MN to Millie Jean (Secrist) and William Marion Jenkins, he was the youngest of 6 children. Jim's father was employed by the Mayo family (founders of Mayo Clinic) as a boiler operator and his family lived at Mayowood in The Cottage until after his twin sisters were born. Jim graduated from Rochester High School in 1947, where he was an avid hockey player and continued to play afterward with the Rochester Colts, and Mustangs, until being deployed to Korea. He and his brother Bill built custom bicycles, motorcycles, and cars for fun, which expanded his mechanical knowledge.

Jim served in the US Army from 1950-1953. He entered as a "mechanic", but was immediately dropped into tank combat upon arrival, earning 3 bronze combat stars serving at Heartbreak Ridge, Capital Ridge, and throughout the iron triangle in Korea. He earned a medal from the Korean government but chose to return to the US to marry his sweetheart Joan and begin his new life, instead of collecting the medal.

Jim married the love of his life, Joan Smith, on August 24, 1953. They made their home in Rochester, MN and raised 3 children, Lynne, Wade, and Laura. Jim was very active in his community - instrumental in getting a primary school built in their Sunnydale neighborhood in Rochester, developing and coaching SE Rochester city league boys hockey teams, worked as a boy scout leader for a few years, and built a team to construct and groom area snowmobile trails throughout the Chester Woods area.

In 1978 Jim and Joan purchased an acreage outside of Chatfield, MN and built the home they had dreamed of in the country. Their family enjoyed country living, eventually adding three grandsons who thrived in the environment they provided. Jim began tilling a huge garden on their property immediately, while Joan cooked and canned their abundant produce. He took up one of his father's hobbies of woodworking, expanding his equipment to include installing an on-site sawmill, utilizing the trees from his property as building lumber. He built many beautiful furniture and accessory pieces for family members and friends. Jim worked for B&B Auto Body early on as an auto body repairman, he then took a job as an installer with K&M Glass. He was part owner for a time, became their primary estimator, and eventually retired from K&M to enjoy his country life.

Jim and Joan loved to dance in their younger years and were excellent dancers. They also enjoyed camping with the family, whether it be standing down a tornado in a tent on a Mississippi river sandbar, or driving their camper to Whitewater State Park, or Wisconsin's Jellystone Park for the weekend. Jim was very hard working, a man of many talents and interests, and was devoted to his family. His three grandsons each continue to follow in his footsteps with their interests in woodworking, gardening, and mechanics.

Jim enjoyed listening to country music and always attended live music offered at his care center, with his modern favorite being our friend Luke Hendrickson. He also attended several church services at the care center each week. A great lover of dogs, he became the "treat man" at the care center, thanks to his daughter Laura and his tub of dog treats. He will always be remembered for his work ethic, generosity, and sparkling sense of humor. His favorite food in the world was ice cream, until the very end.

Jim is survived by his two daughters, Lynne Oldre-Mortenson (Ken), and Laura Jenkins Lawler (Joe); his grandchildren, Travis Oldre, Alex Glaser (Lauren), and Nicholas Johnson (Macy); and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years Joan, and his son Wade; siblings, Marvin (Bernice), Muriel (Wes), Marvel (Harold), Betty (Dale), and Bill (Dorothy).

Jim's family would like to thank the staff at Spring Valley Living for their outstanding care and support over the past few years, as well as Seasons Hospice for all the good work they continue to do.