Jim R. Jenkins

A reception for the family and friends of Jim Jenkins, 45 year Faculty member of South Plains College will be from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm, Tuesday, December 10, 2013 in the Sundown Room on the campus of South Plains College, Levelland. Jim died on Saturday, December 7, 2013 in Levelland.

He was born on January 7, 1943 in Dallas County, Texas to James Leslie and Iva Estelle (Fitzhugh) Jenkins. He was raised in Lancaster, Texas and Pampa and received his bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and master’s degree in animal nutrition, from Texas Tech in 1966 and 1968 respectively. In the fall of 1968, Jim started as the assistant professor of agriculture at South Plains College. He was responsible for teaching animal science, animal economics courses, feeds and feeding as well as coaching the livestock judging team. During his 25 years coaching the team, they achieved numerous wins at major livestock shows throughout the nation. Under his directions, the teams accumulated a record nationally as the second team with the most wins and top team in Texas with the most wins. He retired from coaching the collegiate livestock judging team in 1994. In 1998 he became a full professor at South Plains College. In August of 2000 he was honored by the SPC agriculture alumni with a scholarship established in his name.

He received a number of honors throughout his career. In 1978, he was awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award. In 1988, he was named Outstanding Animal Science Alumni from Texas Tech’s Department of Animal Science. He was honored with the Outstanding Coaching, Service and Accomplishments Award at the National Western Livestock Show in Denver, Colorado and in 2003 he was honored during the eighth annual Tribute to Teachers by the College of Education at Texas Tech.

Survivors include his wife, Rosemary of Levelland, his son: Jim Edwin Jenkins of Abilene, Texas; his daughter: Jodi Beth Jenkins of Dallas, Texas and a brother: John Reese Jenkins of Toronto Canada and South Florida.

The family suggests memorials to the Jim Jenkins Scholarship Fund, South Plains College, and 1401 College Avenue, Levelland, Texas 79336.

Cremation services are under the direction of George Price Funeral Home, Levelland.

To join the family in celebrating Jim’s life, please go to www.georgepricefunerals.com