James Edward Jennings

Lovingly known as Jim, 92 years old, peacefully passed on September 3rd. Jim was born on March 21, 1932 in Dover, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years Patricia (Lorenz) Jennings, his mother Jewel (Laffoon) and father Cecil Edgar Jennings, and siblings Louis Jennings and Charlene Pickens.
After graduating in 1949 from Caruthers High School in California, Jim worked as a Well Drill Operator for Manse W Gallagher until he joined the Army in 1952. He spent a year in Germany during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1955 to then meet and marry the love of his life, Patricia (Pat). They resided in Downey, California while raising their 2 daughters Lauren and Kelly. During that time, Jim worked in sales, first with So Cal Gas for 6 years, then Robertshaw for 12 years, and finally Williams as VP of Marketing and Sales for 8 years before retiring to Palm Desert, CA. Jim & Pat moved to their forever home in Sun City, Az in 1991. There he lived a life of retirement some can only dream of. Golf was his passion and his hobby was conjuring up million dollar ideas with his Wednesday coffee buddies. He was the partner to Pat’s chili cook-offs, Christmas parties, and pool parties. He loved her dearly and poured his heart into his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. He instilled love, values, importance of family, work ethic, and manners in all of us. He made a positive impact on everyone he met and served his country well. In 92 years he truly lived and we are all better for it. Simply put, he was one of the best. There will always be a Papa-sized hole in our hearts until we see him again.
Jim is survived by his adoring daughters, Lauren Howl and Kelly Stump (Bruce), 6 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 2 nieces, and 2 loving care providers.
There will be a casting at sea, per Jim’s request, off the coast of Catalina Island for immediate family. If you are moved to contribute, one of Jim’s last wishes was to participate in the Honor Flight Arizona which he did in 2022. It was everything to him. This is the link to help more veterans get involved. https://honorflightaz.org/donate/#:~:text=One%20Time%20Donation,and%20see%20additional%20step%20below.