James William Jenkins Sr.

Surviving are his wife: Anne Jenkins; son, James William Jenkins Jr. and wife Pam of Raleigh; daughters: Beth Annette Jenkins of Raleigh and Mary Julia Kroehler and husband Keith Kroehler of Charlotte; grand children: James William Jenkins III and Hannah Kaneer Jenkins both of Raleigh and Kyle Nelson Kroehler of Charlotte; step grandchildren: Leah Townsend and Charles Townsend of Raleigh. His is also survived by brothers: Max Jenkins of Shelby, Glen Jenkins and wife Nancy of Hickory; and by a sister: Libby Hastings and husband Norris of Shelby.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ray, his sisters, Ruth Bowen and Virginia Whisnant.

Though he saw no active duty, James was a Navy Veteran of World War II. He was in Chicago training as an aviation machinist at the time that the war ended.

After graduating from Western Carolina University, with a B.S. in education and an M.A from Appalachian State University, he taught and then served as principal of Manning Elementary School in Roanoke Rapids. Upon moving to Anson County, he became superintendent of the Morven City Schools, then subsequently served as the superintendent of the Southern Pines City Schools. After four years in this position, he was appointed Director of Early Childhood Education with The State Department of Education in Raleigh where he procured legislation for and developed the first statewide kindergarten program with the public schools.

Those kindergarten classes were the first classes to include teachers assistants in every classroom. From this developed the inclusion of teachers assistants in the entire state elementary program.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Morningside Assisted Living and Hospice of Wake County for their excellent care and concern during Jim’s illness.

A service celebrating his life will be held Sunday, October 17, 2010 at 2:00 PM at Benson Memorial United Methodist Church, 4706 Creedmoor Road, where he was a member for forty-three years. Following the service the family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Benson Memorial UMC Building fund and music program.

Please take a moment to sign the online guestbook below.