James W. Jenkins Sr., 79, of Springfield, passed away on Friday, May 25, 2018 at Auburn Nursing and Rehab.

James was born on June 29, 1938 in Jefferson City, MO the son of John and Lilly Jenkins.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving during the Korean War.  He worked for the State of Illinois doing maintenance and was a bartender.  He enjoyed fishing, watching westerns and Colombo.  He was a jokester and never met a stranger.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Junior Jenkins.

He is survived by three children, Cheryl Gudgel, James (Angi) Jenkins Jr. and Mike (fiancé, Mary Griffith) Jenkins all of Springfield; six grandchildren, Keirra (Jeremy) Murphy, Brady Gudgel, Anthony Jenkins, A.J. Jenkins, Joseph Jenkins and Stephanie Kate Jenkins.

Graveside services will be at 12:00 Noon on Friday, June 15, 2018 at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to any disabled veterans organization.