Jim Lee Jenkins

James Lee Jenkins (Jim) passed away at his home under the tender care of his family on June 18, 2022, at the age of 82. The life he lived was full of all of the things he loved; family, farming, church, and work. All were sprinkled with a healthy dose of his characteristic wit and wisdom.

Jim was born on October 20, 1939, to David Lee and Beth Mott Jenkins in Vernal, Utah. He joined the Utah National Guard shortly after graduating from high school. After fulfilling basic training, he came home and married his sweetheart Jannett (Jackie) Gardiner on April 13, 1959 in the Salt Lake City Temple and they spent a lifetime working hand in hand to raise their six children. He wasn't one to preach but rather taught, mostly by example. He wanted his children to know how to work, so they worked at his side. He wanted them to be respectful, so he was courteous and polite. He taught them of love through his words as well as actions. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Was it work or play when Jim clocked in at the phosphate plant just north of Vernal? It was a great mix of both for him. He spent 43 years there and loved getting into the heavy equipment to literally 'move mountains' so they could mine for phosphate.

When a long day of work at the phosphate plant ended was when the fun really began for Jim. He went home and began 'working' on the farm. He would tell Jackie, "Don't buy me golf clubs, just give me a tractor and I'll go play in the dirt!". Many years were spent in the hay fields and raising cattle, something that he and Jackie worked together at, not only to provide a living for the family, but moreover to provide an opportunity for them to learn important life lessons.

Service was a way of life for Jim, not only in the needs he saw daily around him but also in those he fulfilled as a member of his church. Over the years there were many church callings he enjoyed but some of his favorites were those in which he worked side by side with Jackie. They spent 12 years serving in the Vernal LDS Temple , 2 years with the Addiction Recovery Program and then they served an 18 month mission at the Mesa, AZ Temple visitors center, all aimed at sharing the good news of the gospel and the life of Christ. Jim genuinely loved the Lord, and spent a lifetime showing his gratitude to his Savior through his actions.

Teaching, playing, and working with family has been Jim's life and he felt blessed every day to have Jackie at his side and their family 'under their wings'. He is preceded in death by his father, mother, sister (KonaMar), infant brother (Howard), son (Wayne), 2 sons-in-law (Mark and Scott), and 2 great grandchildren (Haven and Owen). He is survived by his children Tina (Greg) Schwantes, Cindy (Todd) Harris, Sherry (Daniel) Migliori, Lee (Kim) Jenkins, and JaNell (Aaron) Rentschler, 21 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
A viewing will be held Friday, June 24 from 6-8 pm at Ashley Valley Funeral Home and Saturday, June 25 from 9:45-10:45 at the Maeser Stake Center, with funeral services following at 11:00.

Jim was truly the backbone of the Jenkins family and we are all forever grateful for his love and example and will do our best to follow in his footsteps.

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