HAROLD "SAM" JENKINS, 88, of Washta, Iowa passed away on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at Correctionville Specialty Care in Correctionville, Iowa.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Boothby Funeral Home in Cherokee, Iowa. Pastor Tim Jones will officiate. Burial will be in the Sunset View Cemetery at Washta, Iowa will be held at a later date. Military rites will be performed by the Cherokee American Legion and L.A. Wescott Post #2253 at the funeral home following services. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with the family present from 5-7:00 p.m. at Boothby Funeral Home in Cherokee, Iowa. Online condolences may be left at www.boothbyfuneral.com.
Harold Samuel Jenkins was born the son of Harold Jenkins and Darlene (Cowart) Jenkins on February 2, 1937 in Washta, Iowa. "Sam" graduated from Washta High School in 1955 and joined the United States Navy that same year. He served four years on active duty as a boiler technician followed by the active reserves, and was honorably discharged in March of 1963.
While Sam was stationed in California, he met Janet Marie Scott who was living with family at the time. After his release from active duty, he moved back to Iowa and married Janet on June 20, 1959 in Cherokee Iowa. Together they had four children.
Sam worked a variety of jobs throughout his life, however his true passion was music. He loved jam sessions with friends and family, church events, and any place that called him to play. Besides music, Sam was also a master story-teller. Some of them were even true.
During his time in Washta, he was a Mason, served on the City Council, Washta Fire Department, American Legion, and was a member of the Church of Christ in Correctionville.
Sam is survived by his four children: Scott (Brenda) Jenkins of Washta, IA; Mark Jenkins of Washta, IA; Yvonne (Mike) Moats of Marcus, IA; Valarie (Tom) Ashley of Washta, IA; daughter-in-law Sheryle Jenkins; seven grandchildren: Luke (Jessica) Jenkins of Shakopee, MN; Audra (Cameron) Crocker of Cleghorn, IA; Rebecca (Peter) Foxhoven of Des Moines, IA; Samantha (Brent) Johnson of Newell, IA; Chelsey Olson of Altoona, IA; Marissa (Tom) Barton of Moville, IA; Chad Olson of Altoona, IA; nine great-grandchildren; sisters Viola Byerly of Cherokee, IA; Alyce Hirschman of Cherokee, IA; sister-in-law Carol Peterson of Florida; brother-in-law Brad Siefke of Washta, IA; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Janet of 57 years; his parents; mother-in-law, Opal Siefke; sisters Bertha "Teeney" Wieland, Elizabeth "Toots" Moles, Mary Leriger, Rachael Hefner, Becky Saxen; brothers Joe Powell, George Powell, Dave Powell; and several brothers and sisters-in- law.
