James “Jim” Jencks, age 78, formerly of Whitelaw, passed away peacefully with his daughter by his side on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Shady Lane in Manitowoc.

Jim was born in Manitowoc on July 15, 1947, son of the late Lyle & Ella (Busse) Jencks. He was a graduate of Reedsville High School, class of 1965. He served our country in the United States Army National Guard after graduation. When he returned, Jim married Hazel Kanter on August 12, 1972 at St. John. St. James Ev. Lutheran Church in Reedsville. She preceded him in death on March 25, 2022. Jim was employed as a few different places throughout his career. He started at Mirro Foley. He then furthered his education and became a part-time officer for the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Department. At the same time, he was a security guard at Point Beach Nuclear Power Plant. Then things changed and Jim went to school to be a truck driver. He worked at Conveyance until this retirement. Jim also owned and operated Jim’s Gun Shop where he would fix and sell guns. He really was a skilled marksman and often competed. He also enjoyed deer and turkey hunting. Jim, Hazel, and their son, Jeremy had a love of motorcycles. They would fix, buy, sell, and ride them together. He was a member of the Blue Knights, and often times he and Hazel would just ride together. Above all, he loved his family and truly enjoyed spending time with them.

Jim is survived by his daughter and son-in-law: Kristen & Derek Novak of Manitowoc; two granddaughters: Ella and Olivia Novak of Manitowoc; in-laws: Arthur (Pat) Kanter of Sun Prairie, Clifford (Mary) Krielkamp of Hilbert, Dawn Krielkamp of Theresa, and Lillian Sanders of Theresa, Valerie Plantz; niece and nephew: Maureen McKenna of CA and Michael (Tatianna) McKenna; other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Hazel; their son, Jeremy; one daughter: Michelle; sister & brother-in-law: Virginia & Wayland McKenna; in-laws: Bertina (Virgil) Hansen, Wally Kanter, Edward Plantz; and other relatives.

A Memorial Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at The Pielhop Funeral Home in Brillion. Military Rites will be accorded by the Becker, Bloedorn, Jensen Post 126 of Brillion. Burial will happen at later date in Union Grove Cemetery.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service.

The family would like to thank Shady Lane and Sharon Richardson Hospice for their care and compassion shown to Jim and to his family.

Online condolences may be made: www.pielhop.com