James Jenkins III

James Lee Jenkins III, age 22, of Indianapolis, Indiana, left this world far too soon on October 4, 2026. Though his time here was heartbreakingly short, the impact he made and the love he gave will live on forever in the hearts of the people who knew him. James was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, friend, and United States Marine whose life was defined by his big heart, infectious smile, unforgettable personality, and the way he made people feel like they mattered.

James had a personality that could light up a room. He was funny, caring, protective, fiercely competitive, and someone who truly didn’t know a stranger. He had a way of bringing people together, making others laugh, and leaving a lasting impression wherever he went. Whether he was joking around with friends, looking out for someone he loved, or giving his all to something that mattered to him, James did everything with his whole heart. When he cared about something—or someone—he gave it 110 percent.

A proud graduate of Decatur Central High School in 2022, James was a dedicated athlete who participated in both football and swimming. Swimming became one of his greatest accomplishments, and his determination and competitive spirit helped him break several school records. Among those achievements were the backstroke record previously held by his Uncle Nate and the 400 freestyle relay record. James took pride in pushing himself, working hard, and proving what he could accomplish when he set his mind to something. His accomplishments were a reflection of his drive, but those who knew him will remember just as much the personality, humor, and heart behind them.

Football was another one of James’s great loves. He was a devoted Ohio State Buckeyes and Indianapolis Colts fan, and his competitive nature made watching and talking football part of who he was. Whether cheering for his teams or sharing that passion with family and friends, James brought the same enthusiasm to football that he brought to everything else he loved.

Before answering the call to serve his country, James worked at TSW for two years. He then chose a path that reflected his courage, determination, and desire to be part of something bigger than himself by joining the United States Marine Corps. He began his Marine Corps training at Parris Island on May 9, 2026. After earning the title of United States Marine, he reported to the School of Infantry–East at Camp Geiger, North Carolina, on August 11, 2026, serving with 1st Platoon, Company C, Infantry Training Battalion, as a 0300 Infantryman. At the time of his passing, James was serving in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Becoming a Marine was an accomplishment he carried with pride, and his family will forever honor his courage, commitment, and the uniform he wore.

Of all the roles James held in his life, being his mother’s son was one of the most meaningful. To his mom, Jill Dunaway, he was simply her boy—her James, her heart, and her proud Momma’s boy. He called her “Momma,” and the love he had for her was something you could see and feel. James loved, respected, and cared for his mom deeply. If you knew James, you knew how much he loved her. Their bond was special, and no words could ever fully capture what they meant to one another. He was a part of her heart in a way that will never change, and he will forever be her son, loved beyond measure and missed every single day.

Jocelyn held an irreplaceable place in James’s heart. Their bond was so much more than that of a brother and sister; they were best friends who shared laughter, memories, and a connection that was uniquely theirs. James loved Jocelyn fiercely and was deeply protective of her. He had a special way of looking out for her, making her laugh, and being the big brother she could always turn to. Their closeness was something truly special, built on shared moments, laughter, and a friendship that went far beyond being siblings. The love James had for Jocelyn was undeniable, and the bond they shared will always be a part of who he was. No matter how much time passes, she will forever carry the memories and love they shared, holding on to the irreplaceable place her brother will always have in her heart.

James’s family grew once more with the arrival of his baby sister, Nova, while he was away at boot camp. Though James had very little time to know her, she was loved by her big brother and held a special place in his heart. Their time together was far too short, but Nova will always be James’s little sister, and his family will make sure she grows up knowing about the brother who loved her.

James shared a deeply meaningful bond with his maternal grandparents, whom he lovingly called Grandpa and Grandma. His Grandpa held a particularly special place in his heart, and anyone who knew James understood just how much that relationship meant to him. Their connection was a source of love, guidance, and memories that James carried with him. The bond between them was one of those relationships that words can never fully explain; it was simply something special that could be seen in the way they loved one another. His Grandma was equally an important part of his life, and the love and care they gave him helped shape the person he became.

His Uncle Nathan, known to James as Nate, was another important influence in his life. A Marine veteran, Nate represented a path James admired and ultimately chose for himself. Their bond went beyond that of an uncle and nephew, carrying a closeness like that between a father and son. They shared a love of football, a respect for the Marine Corps, and a connection built on admiration, guidance, and love. James looked up to Nate, and the influence he had on James will always be part of his story.

Throughout his life, James was surrounded by people who helped guide him, encourage him, and shape the young man he became. Uncles, coaches, teachers, mentors, and the fathers of some of his closest friends all played meaningful roles in his life. Together, these people became his village—a circle of people who showed up for him, believed in him, offered guidance, and helped him along the way. James was fortunate to have people who cared about him and invested in his future, and their influence will remain part of the legacy he leaves behind.

Friendship was one of the most important parts of James’s life. He formed lifelong friendships with people who became far more than friends; they became brothers. These were the people who shared his laughter, his adventures, his challenges, and the ordinary moments that become treasured memories over time. They knew his humor, his loyalty, his competitive spirit, and the heart behind the jokes. The brotherhood James built with his lifelong friends was genuine and lasting, and the memories they made together will forever be part of his story. His friends were family by choice, and the love they shared with him will not end with his passing.

James also found brotherhood in the United States Marine Corps. Becoming a Marine meant joining something larger than himself and standing beside others bound by shared purpose, commitment, and sacrifice. His fellow Marines became another family, connected through the demands of training, the pride of earning the title, and the responsibility of serving their country. The brotherhood he found in the Corps was distinct from the friendships he carried throughout his life, but both meant so much to him. His fellow Marines will forever be part of his story, just as he will remain part of theirs.

James leaves behind his loving mother, Jill Dunaway; his father, James Jenkins Jr.; his stepfather, Griffin Dunaway; his sister, Jocelyn Jenkins; his baby sister, Nova Dunaway; his stepbrothers, Wyatt and Hudson Dunaway; his grandparents, Paul and Pam Nihiser and Jimmy and Jackie Jenkins; his aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family; his many lifelong friends; and his brothers in the United States Marine Corps. He also leaves behind coaches, teachers, mentors, and countless others who became part of his village and whose lives were touched by knowing him.

Twenty-two years was not nearly enough time. There were more memories to make, more laughter to share, more football games to watch, more milestones to celebrate, and more life for James to experience. His passing leaves a space that can never truly be filled. His family and friends will miss his smile, his humor, his protective nature, his unmistakable presence, and the love he gave so freely. They will miss the little things just as much as the big ones: the conversations, the jokes, the shared traditions, and the everyday moments that never seemed extraordinary until they became memories.

To his Momma, he will always be her boy. To Jocelyn, he will always be her brother and best friend. To Nova, he will always be the big brother she will come to know through the love and memories her family shares with her. To his Grandpa and Grandma, he will always be their beloved grandson. To Nate, he will always be the nephew he helped guide and inspire. To his friends, he will always be a brother. To his fellow Marines, he will always be one of their own. And to everyone who knew him, James will be remembered for the life he lived, the love he gave, and the mark he left on their hearts.

James was loved more than words can express, and he will be missed more than words can ever explain. Though his life ended far too soon, his story does not end here. It lives on in the people he loved, the friendships he built, the lessons he learned, the memories he left behind, and the countless ways he changed the lives of those fortunate enough to know him. His smile, his spirit, and his love will remain with his family and friends always.

Semper Fi, PFC Jenkins. You answered the call to serve your country, but your greatest legacy will always be the love you gave, the people you protected, and the lives you touched. Your watch ended far too soon, but your light will never go out. You will forever be carried in the hearts of those who love you.

Forever our son. Forever our brother. Forever our friend. Forever our Marine. Forever 22. Never forgotten.

A visitation will be held at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, on October 26, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will be held at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, on October 27, 2026, at 12:00 pm, with visitation hours one hour prior to the service.

Graveside Military Honors will be held at Crown Hill Cemetery following the service.