PCCHA fondly remembers Ross Jenkins

Ross Jenkins II, 79, of Hanford, California, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 29, 2026, with his wife, Carol, exactly where she had been for the past 55½ years—right by his side, hand in hand.

Ross was born in Fresno, CA, and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1964. He enlisted in the National Guard, and upon his return, enrolled at Fresno State. Ross spent his life working in the family cattle business, and after college, he continued doing what he loved. In 1970 Ross married his best friend Carol when they eloped to Reno.  A few years later, they began building their family.

In 1986, Ross moved his family to El Centro, CA, where he accepted a position as feedlot manager. He remained there until his retirement in 2014. In 2007, Ross was honored by his peers as California Livestock Man of the Year. While managing both the business and his family, he also passionately pursued his love of cutting horses. Just like everything else he touched, Ross excelled in the cutting world and earned the 1998 National Cutting Horse Assoc. &  PCCHA world championship in the $50,000 amateur.  

Ross never met a stranger, and his larger-than-life personality will be deeply missed. He loved nothing more than gathering friends and family around a full table. He could mix the perfect cocktail, grill the perfect steak, and never miss an opportunity for a good conversation.

Ross was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Shirley Jenkins, and his oldest son, Ross Jenkins III (RJ3).

He is survived by his devoted wife, Carol; daughter, Jami Jenkins; son, Patrick Jenkins (Bernadette Marcussen); his four grandchildren, Austin & Morgan Garcia, & Maggie & Levi Jenkins; his brother, Craig Jenkins (Peggy Jenkins); and his sister, Luanne Jenkins (Jody Adelberg).