James “Jake” Martin Jennings, 73, of Sandoval passed away Sunday, December 25, 2022.
He was born on January 30, 1949, the son of Kay Seward Jennings Jr. and Pearl Lillian Fernbach in Vandalia, Illinois.
Survivors that will smile when remembering James’ adventurous soul include his wife Gail (Burkemo) Jennings of Sandoval; children, Jim (Amy) Jennings of Sandoval, Caleb (Katie) Jennings of New Baden, Kerry Jennings of Springfield, and Heather Jennings of Centralia; grandchildren, Jamie (Jacob) Johnson, Beth (Michael) Organ, Ada Jennings, Alli Jennings, Sam (Joe) McKinzie, India Brown, Paris Brown, Memphis Brown, and Bo Jennings; great-grandchildren, Payton, Gracie, Elijah, Zeeland, Zeppelin, Jacob and Kora; sister Susie (Kenneth) Walker of Patoka; and niece and nephew Eb Walker, and Lura Thompson.
James was preceded in death by his parents Kay Seward Jennings Jr. and Pearl Lillian Fernbach; daughter Anne Jennings; and grandchild Jackson Turner.
James loved time spent in the great outdoors, seeking adventure wherever he could find it. He could be found hunting for deer, camping out at Boulder and Coles Creek, and enjoyed four-wheeler riding. When his time wasn’t being spent outdoors, he could be found sipping on a delicious cocktail. He was a member of the United States Army Corp where he was stationed in Germany. He was an Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War further earning the titles of both Shriner and Mason. James could be described as career driven, working for the Shell Pipeline for 20 years, Jennings Trucking, and retired from IDOT. His most precious time was spent with his grandchildren and his legacy will live on through each of them.
A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at the Day Macz Funeral Home in Sandoval with Pastor John Klockenga officiating. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time from 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday until the time of service at Day Macz Funeral Home in Sandoval. Memorials may be made in James’s honor to the Sandoval Shalom. Online condolences and memories of James may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Day Macz Funeral Home in Sandoval is privileged to be assisting the family of James “Jake” Jennings with arrangements.
