James Abner Jenkins

James Abner Jenkins, of Neptune, New Jersey, departed this earthly life on Friday, August 3, 2018, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

Jimmy, so affectionately called by his family, was born on October 12,1947, in Bethel, North Carolina.  He was the ninth eldest child borne to the late Harold and Martha Keel Jenkins.

As a young child and man, Jimmy attended school in Boston, Massachusetts. He served in the United States Military Armed Forces and was deployed to Vietnam for an 18-month tour. Jimmy was honorably discharged in 1969.  He was employed as the Operations Manager for New York Carolina Express (NYCE) for over 35 years before retiring in 2010.

He married Ursula Council of Asbury Park in 1981. They were married for 37 years.  Jimmy was a Christian as a child and a loyal and active member of the St. Stephen A.M.E. Zion Church for 38 years. At the church, he served as a Trustee; President of the Usher Board; member of the Seacoast Usher Board; member of the Boys to Men Choir; served in the Mentoring Ministry; and was the church van driver. Jimmy was ALWAYS willing to serve wherever asked.

He was a beloved member of the Jenkins/Keel Family and always enjoyed attending the Annual Jenkins/Keel Family Reunion Celebrations in Boston/Plymouth, Massachusetts and Neptune, New Jersey. At our 2018 Family Reunion in Neptune, family members went to the hospital to celebrate with him. Jimmy's presence will truly be missed.

He was a loving and nurturing father who adored his children. He enjoyed ordering pizza for his grandchildren. There wasn't anything that Jimmy wouldn't do for anyone.

Jimmy was predeceased by two children, Michelle Elliott and Jermaine Elliott; parents, Harold Jenkins and Martha Keel Jenkins; brothers, Harold Jenkins, Jr. and Vernal Ray Jenkins; and sister, Barbara Jean Taft.

The life and cherished memories of our loved one shall long be remembered by his beloved wife, Ursula Jenkins; children, Theresa Elliott Holman and her husband, Derrick Holman of Long Island, NY, Lakisha Elliott of Long Island, NY, Jamie and Tyshon Jenkins of Asbury Park, NJ; 11 grandchildren, Dyron, Tykeith, Saprice, Saniyah Elliott, Kyree Scott, Shaliyah Jenkins, Derrick Holman, Jamie Jenkins, Jr., Keyon Elliott, Jamie Jenkins, II, and Ty'Seir Jenkins; 2 great-grandchildren, Zyon Footman, and Ta'Niyla Elliott-Brooks; four sisters, Beatrice Willis of Dorchester, Massachusetts; Ruth Burnett of Parris, California, Brenda J. Terrell of Neptune, New Jersey; one sister-in-law, Anne Jenkins of Dorchester, Massachusetts; one brother, Jesse Jenkins and his wife, Jeannette Jenkins; several nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews; and a host of cousins, other relatives and loving friends.

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