"James Jenkins Killed in Pacific War" noted the Santa Cruz Sentinel.

James Bennie Jenkins was born on July 4, 1925, in Tulare County, California, to Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins; his mother's maiden name was Audie Robison. While the Santa Cruz Sentinel of May 30, 1945, listed him in its Santa Cruz roll of honor, his California ties appears to be stronger within the state's Central Valley. Jenkins attended grammar and high school in Delano before moving to Santa Cruz with his mother in 1942.

In February 1943, James enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and completed his basic and school-of-infantry training at San Diego.

Private Jenkins was assigned to the 2nd Marine Division in June 1944 as they were preparing for the invasion of the Mariana Islands. His unit invaded Saipan and continued to encounter Japanese resistance through the first week of July. By July 9, the island was declared secure, although isolated pockets of resistance continued to require marine activity until the end of the month.

According to a telegram received by his mother, Audie, on August 1, 1944, Private First Class James B. Jenkins was declared killed in action. The exact date of Jenkins' death and the disposition of his remains have not been identified.

(CBR; SCSn August 1, 1944 1:2; American Memorial Park Saipan, http://www.nps.gov/archive/amme/court_of_honor/court_of_ honor.html, [16 September 2008])