James Anthony Jenkins

James Anthony Jenkins of Franklin Park, NJ, passed away at home on January 6, 2025, surrounded by family. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 13, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, 771 Somerset Street, Somerset. The viewing will begin at 10am, followed by the funeral at 11am. Min. Joan Marshall will be presiding, and Rev. Dr. Dante Quick will be the eulogist. James Anthony Jenkins was born on October 22, 1971, in Plainfield, New Jersey, to James Edward Jenkins and Evelyn Wilson Jenkins. James was the only child of Evelyn and James, and the first-born grandson of Mary and Printed Jenkins, also born in Plainfield, New Jersey. James spent his formative years in Somerville, where he developed strong bonds with his maternal relatives, particularly with his uncle Gus Wilson (Patricia), the late Phillip Wilson (Theris - wife to Phillip - deceased), Bobby Wilson (Joan), the late Mary Wilson, Irene Wilson, and his cousin/brothers Jason Wilson (deceased) and Troy Wilson (Danielle), along with numerous cousins. He cherished his sister, Nicole Minder (Shakona), and her children. James attended the Somerville Public School System and graduated from Somerville High School in 1989. Following a brief stint at Raritan Valley Community College in 1999, James opted to forgo higher education. Professionally, James worked as a continuous line operator at Nitta Casings in Somerville for 14 years before transitioning to a similar role at Pim Brands Candy in Somerset, where he concluded his career in 2018. James and his high school sweetheart, Jennifer, welcomed their first-born, Isaiah James, on May 15, 2001, and five years later, their daughter, Joanna Evelyn, was born on September 15, 2006. James and Jennifer wed on July 25, 2007. James was a wonderful husband and an amazing father to his children. He was utterly devoted to his family; his children meant everything to him, and he was always ready to lend a hand with whatever they needed. Whether it was sewing, going on adventures, or simply spending time together, he was always there, committed to making every moment special for them. James loved his friends! His friends were absolutely everything to him! He had the same childhood friends since he started school in Somerville. The mecca of Somerville for James was living on Hamilton Street, where all of his best friends lived. What’s that saying… IYKYK! Too many great friends to list everyone, but they know who they are! James and his friends would travel together, celebrate birthdays together, go to sporting events together, throw epic parties with his brother, Jason Wilson, on Hamilton Street, or have get-togethers with his brothers at the house. James was an avid participant in the Ville’s Fantasy Football league, which brought him immense joy. His triumph and bragging rights was a source of immense pride. He was so excited to win in 2024, complete with a trophy and bragging rights for a year. He carried the trophy with such pride, bought a cape with a hood, and had his daughter iron on letters to display his achievement. Like I said, he loved his friends! There was nothing they wouldn’t do for each other… They were brothers, and he loved his sisters too! Amanda Gray Ighalo will forever be his ACE! James had many hobbies. He enjoyed traveling, especially spending time in Atlanta with his family and friends. He was an ardent sports fan, supporting both the Dallas Cowboys (hater), later New York Jets and New York Mets! James’ dream of becoming a stand-up comedian came true when he performed for one night only at the Stress Factory Comedy Club in New Brunswick. Soon after, James began gardening, and each year, his garden grew larger as he started to learn how to pickle vegetables. He also enjoyed baking and found his late grandmother’s recipes for sweet potato and apple pies. He began selling these pies to his family and friends. Later, he decided to turn this pie-baking hobby into a business, which he named CocoJoy Pies after Isaiah and Joanna, with the assistance of both. Isaiah and Joanna, who have since decided to take over the business following his untimely passing. James had a profound appreciation for music, encompassing a wide range of genres, from hip hop to classical, with a particular fondness for artists such as Wu-Tang Clan, Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, Biggie, Tupac, Coldplay, Elton John, and Frank Sinatra among others! Music had always been in his blood. He had just gotten a new sound machine for the holidays. James had four uncles on his father’s side: Samuel Jenkins (deceased), Muhammed As Sabur, Billy Hubert, and Dwight Jenkins (deceased). Furthermore, he had five aunts on the Jenkins side of the family: Janice Brown (SC), Carolyn Jenkins, Connie Buwa (Ellis), Roxie Idegwu, and Donna Perkins (NC). James

James Anthony Jenkins

November 22, 1971 - January 6, 2025