James "Jim" C. Jenkins

            James C Jenkins, 81, passed away April 21st, 2021 in his home from natural causes. He was born in Hamilton, MT January 7th, 1940 to Clayton & Helen Hailey Jenkins.

            The family lived and farmed in Corvallis in the 1940’s and later settling much of his childhood on the ranch they had in the Sula Basin horseback hunting, fishing and ranching with his parents and sister. Driving cows with his dad to the Big Hole Valley.

            James went to school in Darby and left to pursue a career in “cowboying” in ranching in various states and chasing the occasional rodeo.

            He married Mary Louise Brennan on July 18, 1959 and were married 61 years. They began their family & a lifelong career as a gypo logger. He started running dozer and shovel yarder at 17 with many local logging contractors.

            They began their own logging company in the early 70’s of his employing many local loggers and five boys. Together they had seven children Bill (Linda) of Wyoming, Daniel (Kim) of Missoula, Shelly (Brian) of Shelby, James of Missoula, Dave (Lisa) of Idaho, twins Jack (Heather) of Darby and Jill.

            He had a great life enjoying friends and family. He loved playing horseshoes (often late at night in snow storms with lifelong friends Don Knott & Ron Baldwin). James and Louise enjoyed gardening together every year and what Louise didn’t can they shared with many friends. James also had a passion for mining with his dad and sons at the Ajax mine or with Ron in unexplored places.

            He is preceded in death by his daughter Jill (Ernie), his parents Clayton and Helen, sister Marlene and grandson AJ.

            He is survived by his wife Louise of 61 years, sister Barbara, brother Donald, six children, 13 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

            Services will be at Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton Saturday, May 1 at 11am followed by graveside services at the Corvallis Cemetery.

            In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Jill Jenkins Memorial Scholarship fund.

            Happy Trails Dad.

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