James Wilbur Jenkins, 82, of Bartonville, Illinois, passed away Friday, December 21, 2018 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was born to Charles E. and Pearl (Miskimin) Jenkins on January 2, 1936 in Bartonville, Illinois. He married Patsy A. Duggins on August 5, 1962 in Peoria. She survives.
Also surviving are two sons, James C. Jenkins and Thomas P. (Katie McCord) Jenkins both of Peoria, Illinois; four sisters, Cora Jenkins of Peoria, Catherine (Melvern) Allen of Peoria, Estaline Schielein of Bartonville, Ella Cunningham of East Peoria and one brother, Charles Jenkins of Peoria; five grandchildren, Miles Jenkins, Liam Jenkins, Mac Jenkins, Arabella Jenkins all of Peoria and Hunter Jenkins of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Mary Anderson.
He was a proud member of the first graduating class of Limestone High School in 1954. After graduating he joined the Naval Reserves and then attended and graduated from Bradley University where he met and married Pat. He then taught at Eisenhower High School in Blue Island, Illinois and then returned to Bartonville and continued his career in counseling where he retired as Director of Guidance at East Peoria Community High School.
His community service included as a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Bartonville and served as president of the Church Council, a founder and board member of Alpha Park Library, a member of the Oak Grove School Board, and the Bartonville Village Board. He also served on the Illinois State Handicapped Board.
He loved his family, his many students and loved sharing the history of Bartonville with friends and family.
The family thanks all those who helped him through his journey, doctors and nurses from OSF, Care Solutions Health Group, Comfort Keeper Care Givers Sara and Jay and hospice nurse Michelle.
A Memorial Service will be Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 11:00 am at Bethel Lutheran Church in Bartonville. The Rev. Kara Wiechmann will officiate. Visitation will be from 5pm until 7pm Friday, January 11, 2019 at the Davison Fulton Bartonville Chapel and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. Cremations rites have been accorded and private inurnment will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Bartonville. Memorials may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church. You may create an online condolence at www.davison-fultonbartonvillechapel.com.
