James Jenkins, 79; Served Reagan in California, D.C.
James Jenkins, 79, a retired Navy officer who served as an aide to Ronald Reagan both in the California governor’s office and the White House, died Feb. 28 of congestive heart failure in Rocklin, Calif.
When Reagan was governor, Jenkins wore three hats: as the state’s chief lobbyist in the nation’s capital; as director of public affairs in the governor’s office; and as secretary of the Health and Welfare Agency (now Health and Human Services Agency).
Jenkins served as a Navy officer for 22 years after graduating from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
He retired as a captain in 1966 having served as public relations officer for four secretaries of the Navy.
When he left the Navy, he was hired by the city of San Diego as its lobbyist in Washington.
Two years later, Reagan persuaded Jenkins to join his staff as California’s lobbyist in the nation’s capital.
During Reagan’s first term as president, Jenkins was chief deputy to Edwin Meese when he was presidential counselor.
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