82R19958 BPG-D
By: Perry H.R. No. 1274
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Jake Shea Jenkins of the Lubbock Fire Department
passed away on March 27, 2011, at the age of 40, bringing a great
loss to the community and to his family, fellow firefighters, and
many friends; and
WHEREAS, Born in Rockdale on September 30, 1970, Mr. Jenkins
was the son of Kirby and Dorothy Jenkins; he demonstrated musical
aptitude as a small child singing at family gatherings, and when a
fifth-grade teacher encouraged him to take up an instrument, his
father made him a banjo; at ease with any stringed instrument, he
mastered the guitar, mandolin, and upright bass as well; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Jenkins studied bluegrass music at South Plains
College and became a certified luthier; after graduating in 1992,
he worked at Collings Guitars in Austin and played banjo on a
part-time basis with the Karl Shiflett and Big Country Show; he
began touring the country as a full-time member of the band in 1996
and helped shape its sound with his Western-tinged style; in
addition, he wrote the group's No. 1 bluegrass hit "Worries on My
Mind," which also reached the top 10 on the Texas music charts, and
he penned the popular songs "Cold, Cold Love" and "Turn Around"; and
WHEREAS, On December 14, 1996, he married Rhonda Smith, and
the couple later became the parents of three treasured children,
Eli, Maggie, and Ella; although Mr. Jenkins gave up touring with his
band to spend more time with his young family, he continued to share
his musical gifts as a member of the group Hickory Hill; and
WHEREAS, This multitalented Texan completed state training
at South Plains College Fire Academy in 2004 and joined the Lubbock
Fire Department in January 2005; promoted to equipment operator in
2008, he drove fire engine No. 14 and was a certified rescue diver
and member of the dive rescue team; his dedication,
professionalism, and natural exuberance won the admiration and
affection of his colleagues; and
WHEREAS, An avid outdoorsman, Mr. Jenkins served as a hunting
guide and enjoyed boating, fishing, gardening, and repairing
vintage trucks and recreational vehicles; he especially loved
tinkering with his plane and piloting it to work or to performances
from his home in Dickens, and he was in the process of building a log
cabin; and
WHEREAS, Jake Jenkins was devoted to his family and his
community, and he brought joy and laughter to innumerable people;
although his life ended far too soon, those he left behind will
forever treasure their memories of time spent in his company; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Jake Shea Jenkins and
extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his
wife, Rhonda Jenkins; to his children, Eli Jenkins, Maggie Marie
Jenkins, and Ella Rose Jenkins; to his brother, Jason Jenkins; and
to his many other relatives and friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Jake Shea
Jenkins.