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James JENKINS Obituary

Distinguished Research Professor Emeritus University of South Florida Born in St. Louis, MO on July 29, 1923, the third son of Joe E. E. and Frances Reynolds Jenkins died November 17, 2012 of complications form metastatic melanoma. He is survived by his wife, Winifred, his son Christopher (Jane), daughter Lynn, daughter-in-law Debra and by grandchildren Benjamin (Becky), Jacob (Amy), Adam (Dez), Carolyn, Josiah, Abigail & Lucjan, great grandchildren Lillian, Ivan, Allyson, Ava, Caleb, Jordan, & Eric. He is predeceased by first wife Geraldine, sons Richard and Robert. After serving in WWII as an Army Air Corp meteorologist, Jim earned his PhD in Experimental Psychology from the University of Minnesota (1950) and continued to teach and do research at that institution until 1982, when he moved to the University of South Florida to become Chair of the Psychology Department. Dr. Jenkins played a significant role in the development of cognitive psychology and psycholinguistics in the 1960s. He conducted research on learning, language and memory for over 50 years, later specializing in the perception of speech, in collaboration with his wife, Dr. Winifred Strange. He had an infectious enthusiasm for both research and teaching, and his impact on young psychologists was tremendous. He supervised 46 PhD students in his first academic position at the University of Minnesota and through his career served as advisor or co-advisor of 82 PhD students at the University of Minnesota and South Florida before retiring in 2000. He is beloved by his students, whom he encouraged to follow their own diverse interests. His students made many important contributions to psychological research He joined the faculty of the City University of New York - Graduate Center, as visiting research professor. He will be remembered by neighbors, family, and friends as a gentle, unassuming, and very happy man. Memorials to the University of Minnesota, Psychology Department Minneapolis.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Pioneer Press on Dec. 25, 2012.

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3 Entries

Kevin Johnson

January 21, 2024

J-Cubed continues to inspire me to this day. I think about him quite often when evaluating research from many disparate fields.

Karen Christofferson

December 28, 2012

Lynn and Chris, an old friend of your Mom's jusr forwarded your Dad's obituary. I am so sorry. If you ever come to the Crosslake area, please visir! Love to you and your families, Karen Christofferson

Debbie Baden Drange

December 25, 2012

Chris and Family. I am so very sorry for your loss. I will keep your family in my prayers. Keep his memories in your heart and your dad will live on forever.

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