James Oliver Jenkins, 82, of Rochester, passed away at 11:40 A.M. Saturday, February 21, 2026 at his residence.
He was born on December 2, 1943 in Kokomo, Indiana, the son of George Oliver and Betty Jane (Thrush) Jenkins. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy serving for four years. He reenlisted with the United States Air Force. He obtained the rank of Sargent and served in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. On July 13, 1986 in Las Vegas, Nevada, he married Rita Richard and she survives.
James had worked for the former Torin Corporation and Brookside Corp. as a Tool & Diemaker and later for Richard Smith. He was a life member of the V.F.W. He enjoyed having coffee, watching birds and wildlife around his home, gardening, target shooting, mushroom hunting, gambling, enjoyed playing poker with his family, and all his animals.
Survivors include his wife, Rita Jenkins, Rochester, Indiana, children, Jay O. (Karen) Jenkins, Huntington, Indiana, Jenni Ortega, Marblemount, Washington, Kandi (Dan) Hazen Northport, Florida, Julie (Rodney) Shilling, Leesburg, Indiana, Ed Jenkins, Knoxville, Tennessee, Nathan Jenkins, Winamac, Indiana, grandchildren, Kayleigh, Elizabeth, Kaytie, Jill, Austin, Eli, Carlee, Eathan, and Phoenix, several great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Susan J. Jenkins, brother, Joseph G. Jenkins, grandsons, Tanner and Seth Hazen.
Memorial services will be conducted at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, Indiana, where military rites will be conducted by the United States Air Force and Fulton County Veterans’ Honor Guard. Friends may visit from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project or any Veterans’ Organizations. Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com
