James Joseph Jennings

Jim Jennings, 72, passed away at Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at his residence. He was born on September 30, 1945 in Newark, NJ, to James Jennings, Sr. and Ruth (Orina) Jennings.

On June 18, 1993 in Dallas, TX, Jim married the former Kathryn Dolezal, who survives. In addition to his loving wife of nearly 25 years, Jim is survived by daughter, Jamie Lee Jennings of Memphis, TN; son, James Jennings of Greenville, SC; mother, Ruth Wilson of Brick, NJ; three sisters, Kathleen (Tom) Rivello of Matawan, NJ; Nancy (James) Ruane of Old Bridge, NJ; Joyce Jennings of Brick, NJ; and three brothers, William Jennings of Port Reading, NJ; Thomas Jennings of Hillsborough, NJ; Joseph Jennings of Santa Rosa, CA. Jim was preceded in death by his father, James Jennings, Sr.; two sisters, Mary Horton and Ruth Jennings; and three brothers, Peter Jennings, Patrick Jennings, and Michael Jennings.

Jim was a carpenter by trade, a vocation he truly loved. He was involved with a New Jersey prison ministry in the late 1980s and was a popular speaker at Marian Conferences in 1991-1992. Jim was an avid fisherman, hunter and general outdoorsman. In his later years in Tennessee, he was involved with pet rescue and re-homed over thirty animals, mostly dogs. Very animated about his faith, Jim was a constant advocate for the Catholic Church and for vocations to the priesthood.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Holy Cross Church, 1050 Wilber Street, South Bend, IN. Graveside service and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery in South Bend. Friends may visit with the family from 9:30-11:00am on Saturday at the church prior to Mass. Palmer Funeral Home—Hickey Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the Jennings family requests Masses be celebrated for the poor souls in Purgatory, or donations be made to the Smile Train Children’s Charity, P.O. Box 96231, Washington, D.C. 20090-6231.

Online condolences may be left for the Jennings family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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