James Lewis Junkins

James l. Junkins 10-13-1931 06-05-2020 James “Jim” Lewis Junkins was born on October13, 1931, in Kosciusko, Mississippi, to Father, James Nathan Junkins and Mother, Reba Audrie Sanders. He died peacefully in his home in Carmichael, CA at the age of 88 after a decade plus long battle with cancer. Jim grew up living a simple but hard life on his family’s 100-acre farm. They raised chickens and animals, had their own smoke house, grew cotton, corn, vegetables and fruit trees and canned preserves. When he was 17, with his parents’ permission, he enlisted in the Army. Shortly thereafter, he was sent to fight in the Korean War. He spent the entire War on the frontlines and fought along with MacArthur as the American forces pushed their way North past the 38th parallel and moved towards China. After the War, he moved to Sacramento and spent the rest of his life in the area settling down in Carmichael in 1981. His professional career was carpentry and construction for over 56 years. He owned Sturdy Door Company, a garage door business for over 25 years. He became a general contractor and continued to work until just a few years ago. He had a love for the outdoors, camping, hunting, fishing, and golfing on a regular basis. Taxidermy work was a hobby of his, along with competitive league bowling. As a loving Father, Husband, and pillar of strength, his perseverance was a testament to his faith. He was always positive and never complained even when he was at his lowest point. Ask him how he was doing on any given day, and he would say, “just getting old and slow,” with a smile of course. He will be sorely missed. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Margie (McKean) Junkins, Sister Dorreece (Faulkner) Junkins of Flowood, Mississippi, Daughters Alice Polkowitz and Kimberly Gage, and Sons Steven Junkins, Robert Junkins, Joseph Junkins, Kenneth Gage, and Raymond Chuckie Hitchcock, as well as twelve Grandchildren and seven Great-Grand Children. Jim’s wishes were to be cremated and have his ashes sent to his hometown in Kosciusko, MS to be laid to rest with his parents in the Nile family Cemetery. Memorial services will be held on Friday, June 19, 2020 at 11:00 am at the Crossroads Church, 7100 Fair Oaks Blvd, Carmichael, CA, 916-486-8611. Masks and physical distancing will be required to attend services. Reception to follow. “May the Lord carry his soul home!”