John "Bill" Jenkins

John William “Bill” Jenkins, Jr., 67, of Newton died on Friday, April 12, 2024, at his home. The family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, April 18, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory. Memorials in Bill’s name (checks made payable to Janice Jenkins) may be left at the funeral home.

Bill, the son of John William “Bill” and Leitha (Gragg) Jenkins, Sr., was born on December 18, 1956 in Newton. He grew up in Newton and graduated from Newton High School in 1976. On May 22, 1987, Bill was united in marriage with Janice Lear in Newton.  Bill worked for Dealer’s Warehouse, the Maytag Company, and TPI. Most recently he was delivering newspapers for the Newton News. Bill loved racing and working on cars.  Bill and Janice spent many Saturday nights at the Knoxville Raceway and then cheering on Bill’s favorite drivers during the NASCAR race on Sunday.  Bill also enjoyed mushroom hunting and shooting a game of pool with friends in the basement.  No matter what was happening, Bill’s dog, Jack, was at his side.

Bill is survived by his wife, Janice Jenkins of Newton; children, Chris (Erika) Crady of Polk City, Chad (Aimee) Crady of Newton, and Rachel (Rich) Austin of Kentucky; grandchildren, Cora, Kyle, Casey, and Acelynn Crady and Annessa, Amelia, Adaline, and Abel Austin; his siblings, Dan (Tricia) Jenkins of Newton, Brenda (Bryan) Lamb of Newton, and Doug Jenkins of Mt. Pleasant; two aunts, Judy Montgomery and Annie Jenkins; his “best friend”, Liam Chapman; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents and several aunts and uncles.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John "Bill" Jenkins, please visit our floral store.