James Michael Jenkins, Esq.

Jan 2, 2020 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2020 | 2 comments

It is with profound sadness the family of James Michael Jenkins, Esq. announces his passing on Monday, December 30th, 2019. He was 86 years old. James Jenkins, or “Jim” as most knew him, was born August 21, 1933, to Dr. Joseph and Rose Jenkins in St. Charles, Missouri. He had one younger sibling, Judith Jenkins, who predeceased him in death.

Jim attended Chaminade Prep School in St. Louis for middle and high school, attended the University of Notre Dame on a football scholarship and later attended the University of Missouri Law School.

After law school, Jim served our country in the U.S. Army JAG Corp where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Following his military service, he served as a senior partner/counsel in several major law firms in Kansas City, including the Polsinelli Law Firm, Popham Law Firm and was a founding member of Husch Eppenberger Law Firm. He was listed in Best Lawyers in America for many years in Corporate Real Estate and Bank Holding Company law. Jim was active in the American Bar Association; but because of their liberal stance on the sanctity of life, he eventually left the ABA and joined the Christian Legal Society. Jim was awarded the Edmund Burke Award honoring his work as “A good man who did something to prevent the triumph of evil.” During his notable legal career, he was never too busy to take a call from his clients, his family, or those in need, even on weekends. Jim was an entrepreneur at heart and instrumental in assisting people realize their business dreams.

In the early 1990’s, Jim became a real estate developer. He assembled, purchased and co-developed luxury condominiums on the Country Club Plaza, known as Monticello Place, located one block south of the InterContinental hotel. Jim and Jenanne called this home for 10 years. At their condominium, Jim and Jenanne hosted weekly bible studies for many years.

Jim was known by friends as being a “man’s man.” He was an athlete who loved many sports. He and Jenanne played tennis for 20 years at Carriage Club enjoying singles, doubles and tournaments. Jim enjoyed watersports at Lake of the Ozarks including boating, skiing and sailing. After moving to Colorado Springs, he honed his snow skiing skills and was an accomplished downhill skier.

Jim played guitar for groups and loved sing-a-longs and wrote poetry. Jim had a great sense of humor and always loved a good joke. Over the years, Jim wrote many humorous letters to the editor of the Kansas City Star focusing his wit on their liberal views. He enjoyed irritating the Star with his conservative positions.

In addition to his successful legal practice, Jim held weekly bible studies for professional men at his law firm. He also hosted a weekly radio broadcast on the Bott Radio Network interviewing conservative authors. Jim served as chairman of the Coalition against Pornography in the Kansas City area working with Rosie Greer for many years before moving to Colorado to serve Dr. James Dobson as a Vice President of Focus on the Family. While at Focus, Jim started the National Ministry for Attorneys, and the Focus over Fifty ministry. He served on the national board of Alliance Defense Fund (now Alliance Defending Freedom, “ADF”), and moved back to Kansas City to open an office for ADF. After several years there, he returned to his own legal practice, serving a few select clients. He continued this work until he officially retired in 2017.

Jim Jenkins was a humble, private man, greatly loved, trusted, and respected by clients, friends and family. He was always available to help or offer advice without asking for anything in return. He never compromised his integrity. He was a visionary and it was an art when he would negotiate a deal. Jim had a special way of making everyone laugh with his quick wit and twinkle in his eye.

Jim is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jenanne, one son, Scott, five grandchildren; Lauren Alexandra and great-granddaughter Avery of Overland Park, KS; Noah (Casey) Jenkins of Glen Burnie, MD; Aaron Jenkins of Overland Park, KS; Adam Jenkins of Victoria, Canada; Jenny (Brady) Kurtz of Prairie Village, KS. He is also survived by his niece, Anne Jenkins Thomasson

A Celebration of Life and Funeral Service in memory of Jim Jenkins will be held on Tuesday, January 7th at 11:00 am at Leawood Presbyterian Church; 2715 W 83rd Street, Leawood, KS 66206. Following the Celebration of Life, the reception location is

Indian Hills Country Club

6847 Tomahawk Rd

Mission Hills, KS 66208

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests Memorial Contributions to the James Dobson Family Institute and the Heart of Forgiveness Ministry. Donations may be sent to: The James Dobson Family Institute; 540 Elkton Drive; Suite 201; Colorado Springs, CO 80907; 877-732-6825 drjamesdobson.org ; Heart Of Forgiveness Ministry; PO Box 1089, Lampasas, TX 76550; www.heartofforgiveness.org.

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Adam Hartley

3 years ago

Jim was and will always remain a great man with a heart of gold. He would always go above and beyond and was there to offer guidance like a loved one would. You will be missed Jim but God has you now in his awesome embrace. You will always be loved! Rest easy and enjoy your reward in heaven.

Paul Clark

3 years ago

I’ll always be grateful for Jim’s kindness to me, especially when I was down for 4 months pre/post back surgery in 1991. He was quick witted and handled dry humor like butter. A great brother in the Lord!

Kind Words

Thank you both for the patience and understanding on the logistics of BK's funeral arrangements. It was a pleasure to work with you both. My sister, Julie, couldn't have been more pleased. The services you offer are well thought out and executed with compassion.

MHD

Dad has commented several times since mom's passing how her Celebration of Life was such a nice tribute to her and how grateful he was for that process to be handled so smoothly.

Beth W.

You both have exceeded your calling, and I'm so grateful you were there for me.

Marchia

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Words will never be enough to properly express our gratitude...Your care for him and your guidance in our hour of need will never be repaid. Thank you, a million times, for you compassion and respectful service.

Nicole

Thank you so much for your compassionate care of our family. You have answered Dad's call to comfort grieving families, and we are so grateful.

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