Jimmy Dale Jenkins embarked on his life's journey on March 15, 1956, in Marshall, Arkansas, a humble beginning that would eventually give rise to a remarkable career in broadcasting. However, his formative years were spent in Memphis, Tennessee, where he attended elementary and high school, laying the foundation for the person he would become. Following his academic pursuits, he went on to enroll in a nearby Bible college, marking a significant milestone in his journey that would ultimately shape his destiny.
Throughout his collegiate years, Jenkins concurrently pursued a dual career path, initially finding success as a DJ and announcer at various local radio stations, gradually transitioning to television, where he honed his skills as a reporter and news anchor.
His multifaceted church work, coupled with his extensive broadcasting career, led to numerous relocations across both Tennessee and Arkansas, exposing him to diverse environments and opportunities.
In 1984, Jenkins made the significant decision to relocate to the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California, where he continued to nurture his church work and broadcasting endeavors, while concurrently furthering his education by attending seminary, thus broadening his intellectual and professional horizons.
As the passing of time unfolded, a significant event occurred in the late 1990s when a family friend played a pivotal role in urging Jenkins to venture into the realm of acting, thus marking the beginning of his journey in the world of cinema.
This pivotal moment in Jenkins' life was preceded by his debut in the 1997 film "House of Frankenstein", where he made his mark as an extra, laying the foundation for his future endeavors in the acting world.
However, it was not until 1998 that Jenkins secured his first speaking role in the popular TV series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", where he portrayed a priest, a role that was remarkably fitting given his background in Bible college and seminary training, as well as his licensure and ordination as a minister.
Notably, Jenkins' professional trajectory intersected with that of esteemed actor James Garner during the filming of "Legalese" for TNT, where he served as Garner's stand-in. This initial collaboration blossomed into a long-standing professional relationship, as Jenkins continued to work alongside Garner as both stand-in and assistant throughout the duration of "The Notebook". Moreover, Jenkins' impressive repertoire of stand-in work includes stints with other notable actors, such as Judd Hirsch and Tom Skerritt, while he has also undertaken the challenging role of photo-doubling for the accomplished Tommy Lee Jones.
