James Jennings

James H. Jennings Service Live Streaming

James Homer Jennings, age 95, of Monroe, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025. Born on February 8, 1930, in Newport, Kentucky, James was the beloved son of Hattie Jennings and Homer Edger Jennings, and part of a strong family that included Alfred J. Beasley, Lucille Yarbrough, Lafayette Jennings, and Joe Jennings.

James attended St. Martin DePorres High School, an all-Catholic boys school, where he graduated in 1948. After high school, James began his journey as a truck driver, quickly channeling his hardworking spirit into entrepreneurship. His drive and determination laid the foundation for a lifetime of business ventures and leadership. He later joined Hilton Davis Chemical Company, where he became the first Black supervisor and retired after over 30 years of service. Known for his ambition and entrepreneurial spirit, James launched his first taxi company, At Your Service Taxicab Co, and went on to pursue several other business ventures, including a pool hall, a towing company, and real estate investing. During his youth, James enjoyed fishing and golfing--pastimes he cherished throughout his life.

James was a devoted family man and leaves behind his loving wife of 21 years, Nola Jennings. He was also preceded in death by Anna Mae Jennings and Dora Jennings. James is survived by his children: James Edgar Jennings Jr., Denise Allen, Lafayette Philip Jennings, Marcus Jennings, Zarian Phillius Hadley, Lintz Martinique Hadley, Jazmin Ulandi Hadley, Sherry Mullins, Steve Turner, Sandra Spicer, Alan Turner, James Burke, Mechelle Crutchfield, and Timothy McClure. He was a proud grandfather to 29 grandchildren and leaves behind a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family who will carry his legacy forward.

A man of great integrity and honor, James was a 33rd Degree Mason and held distinguished positions in several Masonic organizations. He was a member of Elisha Lodge #106 of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio; a Sublime Prince with King Solomon Consistory #20; and a noble of the Ancient Egyptian Order of Mystic Shrine, Sinai Temple #59, where he was an Honorary Past Potentate.

He will be remembered for his wisdom, determination, and unwavering dedication to family and community. His life was a shining example of hard work, dignity, and purpose.

Masonic Rites service at 12:00PM. Visitation at 12:30 PM at Mueller Hicks Funeral Home (6780 Roosevelt Avenue, Middletown OH 45005) with Service to follow at 1:00PM on Thursday May 29, 2025.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." -- 2 Timothy 4:7