James Burton Jenkins

Velma - James “Jay” B. Jenkins, Sr. of Lone Grove and formerly of Velma peacefully passed away on January 28, 2021 at the age of 79 in Ardmore, OK. Services are under the care and direction of Alexander Gray Funeral Home in Velma.

Jay was born December 18, 1941 to Albert and Eunice Jenkins in Morris, OK. He spent his childhood years growing up with his older brother, Roy and younger sister, Carolyn in Northeastern Oklahoma.

Jay served in the Army during the Vietnam War and afterwards spent many years employed with Time DC Freightline.

Jay married Patricia Strickland on July 6, 1977.

In 1982, he and his family relocated to Velma, OK, where he started his career at Velma Rural Water Dept. and was known as the waterman. He also loved to mow and took pride in this work.

After retiring in 2004, Jay and Pat made many memories at Lake Fork. Just a few memories…loosing his teeth in the lake while saving his boat. His truck “jumping out of gear” and nearly pushing over the neighbor’s camper. The best was when he caught his prize bass! Oh, how he loved to ask, “have you seen my fish” and proudly he would pull out his phone to show you HIS fish.

Jay will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Pat, sons, James and wife Cynthia, Yancey and wife Jennifer. daughter, LaTisha and husband Jimmy. Grandsons, Ronnie(Kara), Ryan(Madeline), Hunter, Bryce, Kyle, Tyler(Ally) and Tanner and Great Granddaughter, Zoey Jenkins. Sister, Carolyn(Cecil), several brothers in-law and sisters in-law, many nieces, nephews and an abundance of fishing buddies and friends.

We will miss your great big smile and infectious laugh. Pops, it’s your time to get on the front end of the boat and catch the big one!