James Leon Jennings

Graveside services for James Leon Jennings, 86, of Lufkin will be held Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Largent Cemetery under the pavilion with Brother Bobby Whisenant and Jerry Collins officiating.

Mr. Jennings was born July 2, 1938 in Lufkin to the late Donie (Webb) and Clarence Jennings, and died Sunday, February 23, 2025 in a local hospice facility.

James was a lifelong resident of Lufkin and graduated from Hudson High School in 1956. He served in the Texas National Guard in the early 1960’s. He worked as a machinist at the paper mill, retiring after 37 years of service. In 1990 James began a hobby of cooking ribbon cane syrup which he loved doing and lasted 20 years. James and JoAnn were RVers and made many friends that are still close to them. James was of the Baptist faith and attended Keltys First Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, JoAnn Jennings of Lufkin; son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Robin Jennings of Lufkin; grandson, Garrett Jennings of Lufkin; niece, Beverly Hartman and husband Jeff; great-nephew, Tyler Hartman and wife Katelyn; great-niece, Kaitlyn Reddick and husband Jeremy; great-niece Sidney Hartman; and two great-great-nephews; and numerous other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Stephen Jennings in 2023; and sister, JoNell Rogers in 2023.

Pallbearers will be Keith Jennings, Garrett Jennings, Jeff Hartman, Tyler Hartman, Jeremy Reddick, and Gerald Davis.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Collins, John “Buck” Barzare, and Donald Austin – The Coffee Bunch.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Pines, 1504 W. Frank Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75904.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday afternoon prior to the service.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.