James "Jimmy" Hugh Jenkins, Jr.

James H. "Jimmy" Jenkins, Jr. passed away at his home on March 9, 2025 at the age of 92. Born in Lafayette on April 5, 1932, Jimmy moved with his family in 1934 to set his roots in Baton Rouge - only leaving to attend Rice University in 1954. But Jimmy shortly returned home that same year to marry his grade school sweetheart , Barbara "Bobbye" Blanchard Jenkins and earn his degree in Civil Engineering from LSU in 1955. Jimmy then joined the United States Air Force 1955-1958 where he cultivated his life-long love for aviation - a passion that began at the behest of his father at the mere age of 16. He then joined his father in ownership of Jenkins Construction in 1960, which pioneered a vast percentage of the roads still traversed throughout Baton Rouge today. Jimmy then headed the formation of Vulcan Foundry in 1965, which specialized in municipal casting and grey iron until 1996 - another staple that can still be found around Baton Rouge today. In addition to the foundry, Jimmy was a highly innovative businessman, including real estate development, aircraft distribution, oil & gas investment, cable television development, and even cellular telephone development. An avid fisherman, Jimmy joined the Louisiana Department of Wildlife Commission and the National Marine Fisheries Council, helped form the Gulf Coast Conservation Association of Louisiana in 1984 (later to become CCA), and eventually became the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries under Governor Mike Foster 1996-2004. Throughout his tenure as secretary, Jimmy accomplished many measures to protect our fishing & gaming industry, including saving the redfish by eradicating gillnets. Upon retirement in 2004, Jimmy was able to spend more time enjoying his passion for duck hunting at Oak Grove Hunting Club in Creole, LA. Throughout his impressive business career, Jimmy continued to grow his family with his wife Bobbye, including 4 children, 7 grandchildren, & 12 great-grandchildren. "Pepa" was an ever-present source of support for all, creating fond memories of early morning fishing in Cocodrie, camp fires after duck hunting at Oak Grove, flying in his Twin Shrike Commander with a stash of Reese's peanut butter cups under the seat, and of course "Pepa's Secret Recipe" for peanut butter & jelly. Jimmy is survived by his wife, Dr. Susan Richarme (m.2018); four children: son James "Jim" Jenkins, III & wife Tammy, daughter Janet Jenkins, daughter Tracy Ducote & husband Raymond, and daughter Blair Kelly & husband Tim; six grandchildren: granddaughter Kelly Schneider & husband Brandon, grandson James "Jimmy" Jenkins, IV & wife Brittany, granddaughter Allison Elkins, granddaughter Katie Schneider, granddaughter Beatty Arnold & husband Jeff, and granddaughter Selby Thompson; and twelve great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by wife of 62 years, Barbara "Bobbye" Jenkins; his parents, James & Willie Jenkins, Sr.; brother Ralph Jenkins; and granddaughter Anna Jenkins. Visitation will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA on Friday, March 14, 2025 from 8:30am-10:00am until funeral service at 10:00am with Rev. Chris Andrews officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. In kind with his generous spirit, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital in lieu of flowers.