Thomas Kelly Jenkins, age 63, passed away peacefully of a respiratory illness and complications due to Covid on October 13, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Tom was born July 18, 1960 in Rexburg, Idaho to Frank and LoRene Ricks Jenkins, the 6th of seven children.

He enjoyed a normal happy childhood, playing with cousins, swimming at porter park, participating in Cub Scouts, little league baseball and football, winning the punt-pass-&-kick trophy. He attended Washington Elementary and Madison Jr. High School. He was an adventurous and active boy struggling with ADHD which was an unknown condition in the 60's & early 70's.

When he was 16 years old, he being an unknowing victim of a chemical injury to his brain, was sent to State Hospital South in Blackfoot to receive treatments to correct the damage that was inflicted. Unfortunately, he never recovered and lived the next 47 years in assisted living centers in Mackay, Shelley, Darlington and Idaho Falls. He was loved by all who attended to his needs. They called him their big teddy bear, a gentle giant, being 6'4 and 280 pounds. He was easy to please and didn't require much, always being grateful. He never complained and loved hugs and the feeling of belonging. He was a deep-thinker and a man of few words, relying on routine visits from family that brought him great comfort and happiness.

He was gifted on both sides of his brain and was very clever and witty and often made us laugh.  He was generous by nature, sharing with those around him. He was a master at guzzling Pepsi, playing cards, bowling, and fishing. His fishing skills were fluid and awe-inspiring to watch and he could out fish anyone.

Tom was a life long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Because we know resurrection is universal and the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ is limitless and efficacious on both sides of the veil, we know this is not the end. It's the end of Tom's mortal life, but his life and ours are eternal. Families are eternal. Thus both we and he can embrace the peace of mind that has been so elusive in the past years. We have that peace because we know that Christ is truly "an high priest of good things to come" (Hebrews 9:11)

He is survived by truly generous care givers, friends, associates, and relatives, including a brother Joel (Deanna) Jenkins; Sisters, Annette (Ted) Dye; Joy Raymond; Colette (Steve) Atwood;  Lorilee (Frank) Bennett, and 12 nieces and 20 nephews. Tom was preceded in graduation from mortality by his parents, a sister Shelley Johnson, and brother in law Don Raymond.

Family will meet with well-wishers Thursday evening October 19th from 6:00 – 7:30pm at Rexburg 3rd Ward (345 South 3rd West Rexburg, Idaho), with a grave side service to be held Friday October 20th at 1:00pm at Sutton Cemetery in Archer Idaho.

The Family would like to thank RHS and the many case workers, Broadway Fields Assisted Living, the Darlington Shelter Home, and the many Doctors and care givers that loved and cared for Tom throughout his life.  Your sacrifice, service, and love will always be remembered.

Tom was incredibly amazing in the way he coped and lived his life.  We are Proud of you and Love you Tom.