A house RESOLUTION

 

to express the profound sorrow of the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives upon the passing of the honorable Ittriss Jermain Jenkins of Charleston County and to extend their deepest sympathy to his large and loving family and many friends. 

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the Honorable Ittriss Jermain Jenkins, a Charleston magistrate judge, at the age of fifty-three on Friday, January 2, 2026; and

 

Whereas, born on November 16, 1972, in Bronx, New York, he was the son of Richard and Daisy Jenkins. After moving to Charleston at the age of five, he proudly considered himself a native Charlestonian. He attended elementary, middle, and high school in Charleston and earned his high school diploma from Middleton High School; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Jenkins earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from North Carolina A&T State University, a master's degree from Clark Atlanta University, and a Juris Doctor degree from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. After passing the South Carolina Bar in 2007, he established a private law practice in downtown Charleston; and

 

Whereas, guided by faith and purpose, Mr. Jenkins possessed the temperament, skill, and knowledge befitting judicial service. In 2015, he was appointed to the magistrate bench by then Senator Marlon Kimpson, where he served with distinction and was widely revered and respected throughout the legal community; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Jenkins was deeply committed to service and civic engagement. He was the first Black chair of the Board of Governors at the Harbour Club and served on the boards of One80 Place, the Preservation Society of Charleston, and the Children's Museum. He also served as chair of The Royal Foundation's Board of Directors and was a member of the North Central Neighborhood Association, South Carolina Bar Association, Charleston County Bar Association, Charleston Thurgood Marshall Legal Society, National Black Lawyers Association, and the South Carolina Summary Court Judges Association. Additionally, he devoted his time as a coach for Le Pele's Soccer Club and as an active and supportive parent within the PTAs of Owens Christian Academy and Ashley Hall School; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Jenkins was a devoted member and deacon of Royal Missionary Baptist Church in Charleston. Known for his humility and servant's heart, he embodied peace, serenity, and family unity. His interests included reading, running, sports - especially cheering for the Carolina Panthers - live music, coaching, and spending time with family, whom he loved above all else; and

 

Whereas, he met the love of his life in Houston, Texas, and married Loquita Bryant-Jenkins. Together they raised two beloved daughters, Na'Zyia and Nyla, who were truly the apples of his eye; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Jenkins is survived by his loving wife, Loquita Bryant-Jenkins; daughters Na'Zyia and Nyla; parents, Richard and Daisy Jenkins; brother, Richard "Windell" Jenkins and his wife, Undrea; sisters, Regina Jenkins, Vicki Jenkins, Christina Jenkins, Jewroshelwa O'Banner, and Virginia "Daniese" Johnson; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of the Honorable Ittriss Jermain Jenkins of Charleston County and extend their deepest sympathy to his large and loving family and many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family.

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