James Jennings

Jim was born on February 10, 1943, to the late Graham and Opal Jennings in Lincoln, Nebraska. He went home to be with the Lord on August 28, 2024.

Raised on a dairy farm in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Jim went to Lewis Central Grade School and then graduated from Treynor High School in 1961. He then earned his bachelor's degree at Peru State College (1966) while playing basketball, followed by his master's degree at the University of Northern Illinois (1976). Following his bachelor's degree, he married Verna Lee Redinbaugh in 1966. A few years later they started their family and brought Karen and Bill into the world. After teaching and coaching for over 10 years at schools including Omaha Bryan, Wausau High School (NE), Aurora East High (IL), and Dwight High School (IL), he moved back to Iowa to be closer to his family and began his career in sales for College House, Inc.

In 1982, Jim and Verna moved out to Persia, Iowa where he farmed for the next 40 years. Jim had a passion for farming, raising cattle, watching and playing sports, coaching, and spending time with family and friends.

Jim's favorite quote was "Be Quick but Don't Hurry" by John Wooden.

Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Verna Jennings; daughter, Karen Jennings (Ron Peoples); son, William Jennings (Traci); four grandchildren - Elli Shindelar (Shawn), Abigail Jennings, Jake Jennings, and Claire Peoples; brothers John Jennings (Deanna) and David Jennings (Linda); and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Friday, August 30, 2024. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM at New Horizon Presbyterian Church on Saturday, August 31, 2024. Interment will be in the Ridgewood Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to New Horizon Presbyterian Church.