James Rue Jenkins Jr.

James Rue Jenkins, Jr., known as Jim, was welcomed into Heaven by his Lord and Savior on February 21, 2026.

He was born June 16, 1934 in Rising Star, Texas, to Gladys and James Jenkins. He met his wife, Patsy Jones, at Texas Tech University. They were married in 1955 and celebrated 69 years of marriage before she passed away in 2024. Jim spent his early career teaching math and coaching in several West Texas towns. He spent the majority of his career in El Paso, Texas, at Riverside High School teaching Marketing Education/DECA, with his daughter Jill, following in his footsteps and teaching the same subject for her entire career. Upon moving to Amarillo, Texas, after retirement about 35 years ago, he became a devoted member of Central Church of Christ, where he served faithfully for many years.

Jim was known in his family as the avid and ultimate sports lover, which started when he was a young man as he played football and basketball. This love grew into a coaching career in many sports and then a lifetime of being a great tennis player, a league bowler, and a fervent golfer. He was always a passionate fan of the Dallas Cowboys and literally every other sport that was televised, as he had two TVs going at all times. He worked hard every year to outwit his family to win the highly coveted “Fantasy Football Trophy,” which was fun for everyone. In his later years, he loved sitting on his front porch waving at everyone who drove down the street and to all those who were out walking. No one knew his name, but they all loved his friendly face.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife Patsy, his parents, and his sister, Lynna Jolley. He is survived by his daughter, Jill Miller of Amarillo, his son, Mike (Kim) Jenkins of Murphy, Texas, his granddaughters, Kelly Jenkins and Katie Jenkins, and his caretaker, Bert Gutierrez.

A family graveside service was held at Llano Cemetery, with Greg Corona presiding. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.