James Brooklyn Jenkins, Sr., 78, of Benton, passed away on Wednesday, February 16, 2022. He was born on November 8, 1943, in Crossett, AR, to his parents, Arlee and Lurlene Jenkins. James loved to work. By trade, he was a retired heavy equipment operator and supervisor for Patton Wrecking for over 50 years, where his coworkers became lifelong friends. In his free time, he loved being outdoors: drinking a cold beer, working in his garden, watching horse races, or moving dirt on a piece of equipment. He was quiet, but headstrong, a one-of-a-kind dad and papaw who took great pride in his family. James loved spending the weekends visiting his kids, especially to eat.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Donald Jenkins, and survived by his wife of 49 years, Glenda Henry Jenkins, who affectionately called him, "Hairball"; two sons, Justin Jenkins (Cari Jo) and James Jenkins, Jr. (Annette); three daughters; Christy Waddell (Steve), Jamie Mathis (Shawn), and Janelle Hicks (John). James had eight grandchildren, three of which he helped raise: his best friend, who was faithfully by his side during these past months, Cory James Mathis, and Kyle Logan Overton & Karissa Dawn Waddell and 3 beautiful great-grandchildren; two brothers, Bobby O. Jenkins (Kathy) and Glen A. Jenkins (Debbie); two sisters, Camille Brookings, and Carolyn Morin (Fred); along with a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews he loved dearly, as well as his caregiver for over two years, Tonya Farish.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 21, 2022, at Ashby's Funeral Home, 108 West Narroway, in Benton, AR., with Bro. Kim Hammer, officiating followed by internment at Social Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Shawn Mathis, Cory Mathis, Kyle Overton, Casy Jenkins, James Jenkins, Jr., and Steve Waddell. Honorary pallbearers are Nick Ruffin, James Michael Watt, Bob Coburn, and Jim Stone.

A visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 20, 2022, at the funeral home.

Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com