Dr. Jimmy Ellis Jenkins

Woodburn, KY resident, born in Lebanon, TN and raised in Red Boiling Springs, TN, Dr. Jimmy Ellis Jenkins, age 73, was born October 8, 1950 and died March 6, 2024 at his residence following an extended illness. Dr. Jenkins graduated from Red Boiling Springs High School in 1968. He decided to pursue the field of medicine and graduated from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine in 1975 among the top in his class. He was a member of the prominent Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (AOA). He met a kindred spirit in his best friend Sonny Rasar the first day of college. Dr. Jenkins was co-founder of the McMinnville Medical Associates where he held a private practice for over 40 years as an Internist and Family Medicine physician. Dr. Jenkins additionally served on the Board of Directors and as Chairman of the Board for Riverpark Hospital (now St. Thomas River Park Hospital) in McMinnville. Dr. Jenkins treated many patients over his career and was passionate about their care and providing them the highest quality of life. A recently retired physician and a devoted Christian, Dr. Jenkins was the son of the late Gordon and Lucille (McGehee) Jenkins who were researchers and farmers participating in studies with the University of Tennessee Agriculture Department. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Martha Ragland, Jack Jenkins, Roger Jenkins, Mary Jenkins and brother-in-law, James Weigert. He was married to the love of his life and best friend, Debra Jenkins of Milwaukee, WI. In addition to his wife, Dr. Jenkins is survived by his children, Chris (Beth) Jenkins of Manchester, TN, Bill (Shannon) Jenkins of Nashville, TN, Katie (Rob) Masteller of Burleson, TX and John (Josh) Jenkins of Missouri City, TX; children by marriage, Melissa (Steven) Albert of Bowling Green, KY, Jennifer Scruggs of San Antonio, TX, Jessica Drew of Bowling Green, KY and Wyatt Scruggs of Nashville, TN; he adored his 17 grandchildren; brothers, Joe (Reba) Jenkins of Lilburn, GA and Don (Annetta) Jenkins of Murfreesboro, TN; children by previous marriage, Mary Ann, Catherine and John Haley as well as several nieces and nephews. Dr. Jenkins held a deep passion for the art of medicine and would devote time daily to research and study of new medical findings, even in his retirement. He was a Scout Master planning camping trips and outings for the local youth scout group when his children were younger. He loved watching University of Tennessee Football, playing basketball, fishing and golfing with his buddies. He loved the beauty of nature and admired trees and the surrounding mountains near McMinnville and was a devoted and loving father and grandfather. Dr. Jenkins will be cremated. A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2024 in High’s Chapel with Robin Hornbuckle officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service at High’s. Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com. High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.