Martin James "Jim" Jenkins

July 12, 1956 - June 3, 2022

M. James “Jim” Jenkins passed away on June 3, 2022 in Pensacola, FL. Jim was a dear friend to so many. It was always warming to visit Jim and hear his deep, resonant, and calming speaking voice, feeling his peaceful presence and his reassuring friendship. He is dearly loved, and his awareness, wisdom and authenticity will be missed tremendously. Jim was a loving and kind human being. He’s made a lasting mark as outstanding, diligent, honest, and caring attorney. His steadfast and loyal friendship was treasured by those fortunate to know him. Jim’s compassion and generous spirit was extended to anyone who was fortunate enough to know him. Jim was one of the most respected and effective trial lawyers in the region. He began his educational journey as a Provost Honors graduate of University of California, San Diego and Honors Graduate of Florida State College of Law. His law career included positions as a former Assistant State Prosecutor, Assistant State Public Defender and Assistant Federal Defender before going into private practice. In 2003, Jim attended the elite and famed Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College. His training and his commitment to being authentic made him a pioneer in court, with great success. He was truly one of the high end, go-to criminal lawyers in the state. Unique to Jim was the deep connection he had to his clients’ cause and his tenacious search for justice and fairness for those he helped. His attorney friends, lucky enough to see him in action, know he would spend hours and days running down nuanced parts of complex legal facts, always to the benefit of his clients. He selflessly placed his commitment to clients first. Jim’s legal research and acumen in court was legend. He freely made himself available to friends and young attorneys for advice. Jim lovingly shared with all interested how to become a better defense lawyer and, in many ways though this, how to strive for self-awareness and becoming a better human. His application of self-awareness and introspection was unique and so different from any other lawyer. These qualities benefitted his clients, but as importantly, spilled over into his personal life gracing his friends, all blessed by his ability to lead by example of living with authenticity. We will so miss Jimbo. Jim was born in St. Petersburg, FL on July 12, 1956 and grew up in Ketchum, Idaho. He is preceded by his parents Oliver H. and Joye P. Jenkins, Nephew Joshua Scott Sparks, and his beloved canine companions, Roscoe, Patch, and “C”. He is survived by his sister, Jamie Marie Hall of Destin, brother Michael Van Cavage of Pensacola, and nieces Sienna Sage Miller and Gianna Marie Hall. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 18 at 2pm at Faith Chapel Funeral Home, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola Fl. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim and Roscoe’s honor can be made to http://www.phoenixrisingrescue.com. A Scholarship Fund in Jim’s honor has been set up, donations can be made here. https://www.triallawyerscollege.org/support-tlc/scholarships/ xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx DOB July 12, 1956 St. Petersburg, Fl Grew up in Ketchum, Idaho Preceded in death by his parents Oliver H. and Joye P. Jenkins Nephew Joshua Scott Sparks and his beloved canine companion, Roscoe Aunts and Uncles? DOD June 3, 2022 Pensacola Fl. Preceded in death by his parents Oliver H. and Joye P. Jenkins Nephew Joshua Scott Sparks and his beloved canine companion, Roscoe Aunts and Uncles? Living relatives Sister- Jamie Marie Hall Brother- Michael Van Cavage Nieces - Sienna Sage Miller and Gianna Marie Hall Nephews - Trusted friend, Chris Jane A loving and kind human being, he was an outstanding, diligent, honest and caring attorney. His steadfast and loyal friendship was treasured by many who knew him. Jim’s family wishes to give thanks to his many dear friends and respected associates for the outpouring of love and support. Growing up in Idaho School College Adult Life Bio details: 1985 Honors Graduate Florida State College of Law 1981 Provost Honors Graduate University of California, San Diego 1977 Honors Graduate St. Petersburg Jr. College Florida House of Representatives Legislative Intern, 1984-1985 Former Asst. State Prosecutor, Asst. State Public Defender and Asst. Federal Defender Owner, Law Offices of M. James Jenkins, P.A., 1211 Garden Street Pensacola FL 32502 2002 Graduate of National Criminal Defense College 2003 Graduate of not-for-profit Trial Lawyers College, Dubois, Wyoming Approximately 1500 hours of post graduate training from the Trial Lawyers College "AV" Preeminent Rating from peer review performed by Martindale Hubbell. Specialties: Trial practice with emphasis in Criminal cases, both Florida State and Federal Courts M. James Jenkins, American Lawyer. Bar: Florida 1986, United States District Court (middle district) Florida 1986, United States District Court (northern district) Florida 1990, United States Court Appeals (11th circuit) 1992; certified criminal trial specialist. Member National Association Criminal Defense Lawyers, Florida Association Criminal Defense Lawyers, Florida Academy Trial Lawyers, Society Criminal Defense Lawyers (president). Jim has taught at seminars and has published various articles dealing with trial law. He is also a 2003 graduate of famed trial lawyer Gerry Spence "not for profit" Trial Lawyers College in Dubois, Wyoming. The Trial Lawyer's College is an extremely intensive, life changing program for experienced trial lawyers lasting more than three weeks. Jim continues to be very active with the Trial Lawyers College. Graduate of The Trial Lawyers College, Dubois, Wyoming; Graduate of the National Criminal Defense College, Macon Ga.; Instructor, Georgetown University Trial Advocacy Program, Washington DC; Past President of the Florida Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Northwest Florida Chapter; Board Member, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; Life Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; Life Member, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Avocations: travel, skiing, tennis, cliff diving, golf, A Celebration of Life will be held on June 18 at 2pm at Faith Chapel Funeral Home, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola Fl. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim and Roscoe’s honor can be made to http://www.phoenixrisingrescue.com. A Scholarship Fund in Jim’s honor has been set up, donations can me made here. https://www.triallawyerscollege.org/support-tlc/scholarships/