James Ronald “Ronnie” Jenkins | Eastern North Carolina Now

    James Ronald "Ronnie" Jenkins, a retired educator/education administrator and long-time resident of Williamston, NC, passed away on June 4, 2024, at the age of 76 after a long battle with MS.

    A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington with Rev. Robbie Parker officiating.

    The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington.

    Ronnie is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart of 53 years, Becky Modlin Jenkins; his son, Samuel Isaac Jenkins and wife Gretchen Ferrell Jenkins; his second son, James Matthew Jenkins; his six grandchildren, Isaac Hilton Jenkins, Eli Samuel Jenkins, Asher Ferrell Jenkins, Addison Taylor Jenkins, Aubreyanna Tessa Jenkins, and Gabriel Ram Jenkins; and his brother, Charles Bradley Jenkins and his wife Brandie and their 3 boys.

    Ronnie was born in Elizabeth City, NC to James Williard Jenkins and Gladys Harris Jenkins. He was greatly loved and cared for by all the Jenkins and Harris family members.

    He attended Washington High School where he graduated in 1966, went to ECU and received a BS in Chemistry, Chi Beta Phi, and then received a master's in science education with an emphasis in Physics. He loved science and was a collector of many things including seashells, lamps, and stamps. His extensive leaf collection was donated to Martin Community College (MCC) where he taught for about 25 years. He was the Department Chair of the Equine, Vocational and Technical Departments during his tenure. After his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with their antique business, buying and selling antiques.

    Ronnie always loved the Lord Jesus Christ. He and his wife hosted church in their homes in Washington and Williamston early in their marriage. He was later president of the local Gideons International Chapter in Williamston and collected moneys for the organization. He actively distributed Bibles at many schools in the area including ECU. He was also a member of Cowboys for Christ at MCC and taught co-ed Sunday School classes at their family church, Memorial Baptist Church in Williamston.

    Ronnie was very athletic and remained very active through much of his life. He loved to play basketball with his children and the neighborhood kids. He also rode his bike 20+ miles a day until he switched to jogging 10 miles a day. He continued this activity until his health declined.

    Growing up, Ronnie loved to fish. Every free day he had, he'd spend on the Iron Steamer or Bogue Inlet fishing piers. He held the state record for Spanish Mackerel on a 10-pound test line. Ronnie loved animals and watched lots of documentaries on the Discovery Channel and Animal Planet.

    Ronnie was a devoted husband and father who stood by his beliefs. He was a hard worker but enjoyed spending time in nature. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

    Online condolences may be offered to the family visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Jenkins family.