James Ray Jenkins, 78, of Arnold died May 5, 2026, in Cedar Hill. Mr. Jenkins was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served in the Vietnam War. Born May 13, 1947, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Dolores Z. (Bess) and James Robert Jenkins.
He is survived by his wife: Linda L. (Sykes) Jenkins; a son: Kevin (Nicole) Jenkins; four grandchildren: Kerry (Tara) Jenkins, Chance Jenkins, Alexis (fiance Alex Hollenbeck) Jenkins and Tristan (Jess) Jenkins; two great-grandchildren; three sisters: Donna Yates, Mary Johnson and Bess Ann Bannister; two brothers: John (Elizabeth) Jenkins and Bob (Annette) Jenkins; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by a son: Brian Jenkins.
A graveside service with full military honors is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, May 16, in Marvin Chapel Cemetery, 4003 Hwy K, in Bonne Terre. A celebration of life is scheduled from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, May 17, at Imperial Bowl, 6045 West Outer Road, in Imperial. Memorials may be made to the Missouri Veterans’ Home at mvc.dps.mo.gov. Arrangements are under the direction of Hughes Funeral Alternatives in St. Louis.