Harry Jay Jenkins

Harry Jay Jenkins, 87, Belgreen, passed away on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at his residence. He was born on Friday, August 22, 1924 in Spur, TX. He was raised in Colton, CA. His occupation was United States Navy Retired where he was an Aviation Machinist Mate. He enlisted on January 07, 1942 at the age of 17. During World War II, he served on the USS Chester and the USS New Orleans in the Pacific Theatre of Operations. He participated in the Battle of the Coral Sea, Defense of Guadalcanal, Battle of the Philippine Sea, Battle of Leyte Gulf. He also participated in the invasion of Okinawa and other campaigns including Truk, Palaus Guam, Kwajalein, Saipan, Hollandia, the Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, Gilbert Islands, and Tinian. After the surrender of Japan, he served in China and Korea accepting the surrender of Japanese forces. Among his awards and decorations are the Combat Action Ribbon, China Service Ribbon, National Defense Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon with 12 battle stars, Occupation Ribbon, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two battle stars, and Navy Aircrew Wings. After World War II, Harry remained in the Navy and was stationed in Malta and Sicily in support of NATO, Bermuda, and various naval stations around the United States until his retirement in 1963. Post retirement from the Navy, he went to work for the United States Air Force at March AFB,CA, home of the 22nd Bomb Wing, as a civil service worker responsible for aircraft maintenance until his retirement in 1979. He then moved from Southern California with his beloved wife, Jean, to Belgreen to be with his family. Harry spent the remainder of his life in Belgreen traveling to various states for ship reunions and seeing lifelong friends in such places as Montana and California. He was a fixture of life in Old Nauvoo for the past 30 plus years, always willing to help friends in times of need. The visitation will be 6:00 ? 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November 17, 2011 at Spry Memorial Chapel. The graveside service with full military honors will be at 2:00, Friday, November 18, 2011 at Belgreen Cemetery. Officiating at the service will be Pastor Kurt Threlkeld. He is survived by his wife, Jean Jenkins, of Belgreen; son, Jim Jenkins (wife, Janene) of Russellville; and grandson, Richard Jenkins of Sacramento, CA. May you have fair winds and following seas. Pop, we love you, we miss you, and we will not fail you. Spry Memorial Chapel assisted the family.

Harry Jay Jenkins

August 22, 1924 - November 12, 2011

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