James D. “JD” Jenkins, age 61, of Old Fort, N.C., passed away peacefully on Monday, June 30, 2014, at home with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Newport News, Va., on Feb. 27, 1953 to the late William Clinton Jenkins and Uldine Belvin Jenkins of Hayes, Va.

JD was a man of many talents who worked at a variety of jobs during his life. He was a waterman in the Chesapeake Bay and a painter with the Amoco Oil Company among other jobs he held, but his true passion lay in his love of the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and even made his own fishing lures, carving beautiful lures out of blocks of wood and painting them the appropriate colors. He also loved gardening and he leaves behind a wonderful garden full of homegrown vegetables.

Anyone who ever met JD discovered what a remarkably intelligent man he was and how he could apply his knowledge to practical applications. Mostly, though, he was a true friend to those who knew him and his passing will leave an empty spot in the hearts of his family and friends.

Surviving, in addition to his mother, are his wife of 27 years, Heidi Young Jenkins of the home; his mother-in-law, Grace W. Young of Old Fort; his sister, Wilma Lee Jenkins West of Hayes; two brothers, Ricky N. Jenkins and Willie Junior Jenkins, both of Hayes; two brothers-in-law, Jonathan and David Young; two sisters-in-law, Debbie and April Young; three aunts, Audrey B. Hogge, Shirley B. Kellum, and Romania B. Hartman, all of Hayes, and several loving nieces and nephews.

A service in celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2014, at 3 p.m. at Cherry Springs Baptist Church, Old Fort, with the Rev. Marty Conner officiating. The family will receive friends from 2-3 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society at 120 Executive Park #1, Asheville, N.C. 28801.

Westmoreland Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. An online register is available under Obituaries at www.westmorelandfuneralhome.com.