james jenkins, rip

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SoCalHoops News

In Memoriam: James Jenkins, #45--(June 3, 2002)

Late last week we learned the terrible news, along with everyone else, that James Jenkins had been tragically killed while on a fishing and camping trip in the Mammoth Lakes region with his father. Apparently, while details are still sketchy, James was hiking on a trail in a secluded area, and evidently slipped and fell. He was reported missing, and his body was recovered a day later near Rush Creek Falls in Mammoth Lakes. Since there were no witnesses, perhaps we'll never know how the accident occurred. And sadly, even if we knew, it wouldn't bring him back.

jamescover.jpg (23165 bytes) For those who knew James, and there were many, he was a wonderful young man, with a great sense of humor, a kind smile, always helpful and with a terrific work ethic. This past weekend, as details trickled in about James' passing, and as his fellow C.V. and Rockfish teammates posted messages on our board, we spent most of the day cleaning and sorting through our old papers, and among the materials we came across was the 2000-01 Crescenta Valley Falcon Basketball Souvenir Program. This was the annual Falcon Basketball booklet which is so much a part of Crescenta Valley basketball, and reading it reminded us of just how important James was to the C.V. basketball team, to his school, and how prophetic his own words were.

Each of the players writes a small "From the Player's Perspective" describing something that is important to him. We want to share again what James wrote in the program booklet. It says more about who James Jenkins was than we could ever hope to say:

#45 James Jenkins
6' 6" * 200 * Senior

FROM THE PLAYER'S PERSPECTIVE:

"I've heard that you never realize how important something is until it's gone. Now in my final year at C.V., I realize how important and special Crescenta Valley basketball is. Whether it is the endless hard work, the never fading dedication, the love between players, or all of the above, it is something that consumes you while you're gone. People may ask, "Do you have to be a player to understand?" There is definitely a brotherhood between players, something that ties us together for life. The experiences and friends I've made will stay with me forever and will always be there to fall back on. C.V. basketball has been a main cornerstone in my life and it will be hard to let go of, but I know now it will always be a part of me.

James played for Coach Jim Smiley, whose last year at the helm at CV was also James' senior season. Here's what Coach Smiley had to say about James in the same Souvenir Program:

"COACH SMILEY'S THOUGHTS: James was league MVP last year and has his name dotted all over our record book. Though this pleases me, I am more proud that he is hungry to achive more. He has stepped up in the area we need him most--leadership. He has posted two of the top 10 all-tiome rebounding seasons and is a point away from reaching 10th on the all-time scoring list. I am confident that he will add to his impressive career and make this season his most memorable."

Of course, James did add to his impressive career in his very memorable senior season, and he went on to once again earn the Pacific League MVP honors as well as first team All-CIF. Upon graduation, he earned a spot on the team at San Jose State, and he would have been a scholarship player this season, principally as the reward for his hard work and diligence during his freshman season.

James was a remarkable young man, a talented two-sport athlete, who gave up a promising career as a potential US Olympian in swimming to devote himself to his first love, which was basketball. Indeed, there is a special brotherhood among basketball players, and James was a part of that brotherhood. He will be missed by his friends and his family. Rest in peace, James Jenkins.

The following was posted on our message board by Jimmy Goffredo, one of James' teammates at C.V.:

For anyone who is interested in attending, whether you knew James personally or not, there will be a memorial service held at Crescenta Valley High School. It will be in the auditorium this Saturday, June 8, at 2 PM. CVHS is located at 4400 Ramsdell Ave. in La Crescenta. It will be a great chance to honor the life of such an incredible young man. James was truly something special. Hope to see you there.