William James "Jimmy" Jenkins, 100 years old, died Monday, January 12, 2015 at his home in Delmar. He was born September 25, 1914 in Allen, a son of the late William T. and Grace Jenkins. Jimmy graduated from Hebron High School in 1931. After graduation he enrolled in the former Salisbury Business College and studied there before going to Charlotte Hall Military Academy for a year. Around 1940 he was called to duty to join the US Army. He reenlisted in 1943 and served his country in the European Theatre during World War II earning several medals, including the Purple Heart and Bronze Star among others, and also saw action in the Vietnam War. Jimmy turned his passion for the military into a career and retired in 1963 as a Lieutenant Colonel after over 20 years of service to his country. By then, he was known as "Colonel" to many who knew and loved him, a nickname that stuck with him for more than half of his life. After retirement he immediately took a position in Civil Service with the US Army Materiel Command in Washington, DC, from which he celebrated his second retirement in 1991. He was a life member of Delmar VFW Post 8276. In addition to his country, his church, his family and his community were his priorities. He was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Delmar for many years and a long time participant of the Railroad Café Roundtable. He loved sports in general and was an avid Caps fan and through the years rooted for the Redskins, Ravens and O's. He was an avid reader who would sometimes read two or three books a week and never missed a day of reading the newspaper. He enjoyed eating out and had special friendships wherever he seemed to go. He is remembered as a man who had a true spark for life and honestly enjoyed every minute of his 100 years. He never stopped enjoying life and was a true inspiration to many. He is survived by a daughter, Sue Callaghan and husband, Dennis of Salisbury; a son, Ted E. Jenkins of Laurel; 4 grandchildren, Chris Callaghan and wife, Renee, Jill Callaghan Stagg and husband, PJ, Matt Jenkins and wife Ashley and Elizabeth Jenkins Shelton and husband, Reed; great grandchildren, Matt Jr., Cody, Clara, Ian and Coben; he is also survived by nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Rachel Ellis Jenkins, who passed in 1997; a brother, Harold Jenkins; and a daughter-in-law, Janet Jenkins. A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 16, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church in Delmar. The Reverend Kenneth A. Athey will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow at St. Marks Episcopal Church Cemetery in Laurel. The family requests no flowers. Contributions may be made in Jimmy's memory to St. Marks Episcopal Church, c/o Dennis Callaghan, 30336 Calhoun Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21804. Arrangements are being handled by Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.