James Jenkins Obituary in Johns Island at Walker's Mortuary Chapel Of Peace

Obituary For James Jenkins

Mr. James Jenkins was born March 4, 1937. The son of Esau and Janie Jenkins of Johns Island SC, he joined the heavenly spiritual realm on Friday August 21, 2020.

James graduated from Haut Gap High School on Johns Island. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Claflin College where he studied music and history. He attended The Citadel in Charleston and Indiana University in Bloomington for continuing education. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church on Johns Island.

In the early 1970's, James joined The Soul Sensations Showtime Band as a saxophonist. He eventually became band leader, manager and keyboard player as the band performed across the region, becoming increasingly popular in the Charleston area.

A scholar with a passion for African history, James taught history and music and served as the band-director at Edgefield High School in Edgefield SC, Robert Smalls High School in Beaufort, and Laing High School in Mt. Pleasant. He also taught history at St. Johns High School on Johns Island.

As a teacher in the classroom, James felt it was important to inspire his students by allowing them to see themselves in the curriculum and by letting them perform music that showcased their culture.

James felt it was important that his children and grandchildren have a strong sense of self, grounded in an understanding of their history. He started teaching them at an early age about Black history and the many contributions of their ancestors to humanity. He also taught community classes about Egyptology and world history.

He managed the family-owned Hot Spot Record Shop in downtown Charleston for over four decades. He was the property manager for the Jenkins family businesses downtown. He was also the loan officer at the Community Owned Federal Credit Union founded in 1966 by his father, Esau Jenkins, and a small group of community leaders.

James was predeceased by his parents, Esau and Janie Jenkins, and eight siblings: four infants (Esau, Rosalie, Helen and Esau II); Janie Elizabeth Jenkins; Herbert Jenkins; Ethel "Abbie" Grimball; and Marie Eva Jones.

Left to cherish his memories are:

- His wife, best friend and life-partner, Alfreda, whom he married on July 30, 1956.

- His children: son, mortgage broker, Melvin Smalls of Brooklyn NY (Maxine); daughter, author, Dr. Marnishia Jenkins-Tate of Silver Spring MD; son, architect, Maurice Jenkins of Ft. Washington MD (Rhea); and son, attorney, Manotti Jenkins of Camp Springs MD (Pamela Hillsman, partner).

- Siblings: brother, Abraham Bill Jenkins; sisters, Loretta J. Saunders, Francena J. Buncomb and Elaine Jenkins Pearson; sisters-in-law, Emily Smalls and Veronica Rogers; and brothers-in-law, Alphonzo Saunders and Earl Stanley Buncomb.

- Grandchildren: Shomari and Jelani Jenkins; Aminah Jenkins and Azania Graham; Kahlil Tate; Maya and Kara Jenkins; Melvin and Amber Smalls; granddaughter-in-law, Stephanie Jenkins, and grandson-in-law, Robert Graham.

- Great-grandchildren: Morie Jenkins and Zanaya Graham.

- Nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of family and friends.

In accordance with CDC guidelines for masks, social distancing and crowd control, final viewing will be on Friday, August 28, 2020 between 5pm and 7pm at Walker's Mortuary Chapel, 3407 Old Pond Road, Johns Island. A small graveside service will be held on Saturday August 29, 2020 at 10:30am at Wesley United Methodist Church, 2718 River Road, Johns Island.

The family encourages that any monetary donations be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at pulmonaryfibrosis.org.

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My sincere heartfelt condolence to the Jenkins Family. May God grant you peace that surpasses all understanding.

To Alfreda & The Jenkins Family : I send my condolences, I am so sorry to know that James passed away. I have lots of nice memories from our school day's at Haut Gap. In the Bible found in John 5:28,29 speaks of a hope of a resurrection of life. Another scripture I find comforting is Revelation Chapter 21:3,4 speaks of how God will wipe Every tear, no death , no mourning, no pain will be anymore. So our Heavenly father Jehovah God will put an end to death forever. So we have a wonderful hope for the future soon to come. I hope these scriptures, bring you comfort and positive thoughts for the future. I will keep you all in prayer James will always be remembered . From (Dot) Dorothy, Brown, Pinckney - Bronx New York

Mr.James always seemed larger then life. When he spoke you listened. He was a true historian and teacher. It was our pleasure to know him and be considered a part of his family. May he rest in love and your family cherish his memory. John and Vanita Owens

May the grace of God sustain and comfort you during this very difficult time. Cherish and hold fast to the memories of your love one. We know James will truly be missed. With our sincere and deepest sympathy, Cyrus Jr & Beverly Gadson-Birch

To Dr.Neeesh; You have my deepest and heartfelt sympathies as I am saddened to hear of the passing of your father, for God does not make any mistakes. You will be in our constant thoughts and prayers.

My condolences to the family of James Jenkins. I pray God continues to comfort and strengthen the family during this time of bereavement. May the many cherished and fond memories of James continue to comfort his family and friends. A comforting promise is stated at Isaiah 25:8 "He (God) will swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces." May you all have calming and pleasant thoughts during this time.

We (nieces & nephews) all called him "Uncle Buddy"...He will be sadly and truely missed

Alfreda and family.R6S May the grace of God bring you peace and comfort now and in the days ahead. With Deepest Sympathy. Delores G.Mack and family.

Family,
I am continually lifting you up in prayer. As God move on your hearts , rest in His peace, and know you will meet James again. We love you and alwys know we re here.
Love Wendell, VJ, Lexi and Avery.

Letha m s.Rampersant my deepest sympathy to you and your family, forever in my thoughts remembering the many memories we shared at Haut Gap High. Rip my friend.