Mr. Jesse Reeves “J.R.” Jenkins, 80, of Danville, formerly of Artemus, passed away Thursday afternoon, February 27, 2025 at his home. He was the son of the late William Jesse and Emma Bargo Jenkins.
J.R. was the former owner and operator of Knox Discount Fabric and was of the Baptist faith. He was a racing fanatic and enjoyed visiting local racetracks and watching NASCAR. He had a passion for restoring and rebuilding old cars and was most proud of his two 1957 Chevrolets. He faithfully served in the United States Army.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Donna Kay Jenkins and siblings, Billy, Justice, D.B. and Matt Jenkins, Nannie Leger, Bertha Stacey, Ruby Norton, Geneva Oberle and Dorothy Oakes.
Survivors include his children, Emma Bates and husband, Phillip Scott, of Danville, Felicia Sweatt of Harlan, Tammy Campbell of Danville and Jackie Mills of Harrodsburg; sister, Mary Jordan and husband, Charles, of Barbourville; brother, Lowell Jenkins and wife, Brenda, of Artemus; grandchildren, Jesse D. Jenkins, James Edwin Robinson II, Kierra, Khloe, Kirk and Kenyon; great-grandchildren, Brooklynn Nichole, Aaliyah Marie, MaKenzie Jean Robinson, Emery Goetsch, Waylon Dean Jenkins, Landon Reeves Jenkins and Asher Kai Cornett; among other loved ones and dear friends.
His funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Thursday, March 6, at 2 P.M. with Dr. Tyler Shields officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Barbourville Cemetery with military funeral honors.
Casket bearers will be his family and friends.
Friends may visit at the funeral home Thursday after 12 Noon until the funeral hour.
The family requests gifts of sympathy be made in the form of contributions to the American Legion Post 88, 84 E Wentworth St, Corbin, KY 40701, to aid them in continuing to honor our Veterans.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Send a condolence to the family of JESSIE REEVES JENKINS.
For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.
