James Joseph Jenkins 1939-2026

James Joseph Jenkins passed away in Decatur Illinois on February 25, 2026 after a brief illness. James, also known as Jimmy, Jim, Jimbo and Jay, was born in Liverpool England on January 25, 1939 to James and Elizabeth Jenkins.

James was an avid soccer fan and a semi-pro player. James moved his family to New Zealand and later to Australia. He moved to the US in 2013 where he married Sharon Sullivan Ferrill.

James was preceded in death by his parents James and Elizabeth, siblings Christopher, Molly, Flo and Francis. James is survived by: His wife Sharon Jenkins. Siblings Paul Jenkins (Elaine), Ann Keenan (Harry), Nell Scollick, and Cath Stevens. Children Allan Jenkins, Micheal Jenkins (Satomi Onizawa), Carol Stomilovic (Peter) and Denise Delphine (Martin). Grandchildren Jacinta Frost, Kyle Jenkins, Leighton Kaiwai, Simone Jenkins, Emily Delphine, Sherridaan Kaiwai and Sarah Delphine. Great Grandchildren Aaliyah Frost and Maaki Kaiwai. Step-children Cheri Sago (Jeff), Teri Morthland (Dwane), Susan Fulcher (Craig) and Randy Ferrill (Sue) and their children and grandchildren.

James, Jimmy, Jim, Jay was also survived by his many friends around the world. James was an adventurer, a teller of tall tales, a talented artist, a domino player, and a man who never met a stranger. He will be missed.

The family is planning a Memorial Service in March and will plant a tree in his honor.