With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of an incredible, long-time member of the Island Park Community.

Darren Blaine Jenkins, age 58, lovingly known by his family as "D.J." and "Uncle Punky" -- passed away at his home on January 2nd, 2025, of natural causes.

Darren was born on January 9th, 1966, in Pocatello, Idaho, to Coralee Hemphill and Blaine Jenkins. He was the oldest of four siblings: the big brother to two sisters, Coreann and Cindilee, and one brother, Nathan.

He was raised and attended school in Pocatello. After high school, Darren lived between Washington and Idaho for several years, before settling down in the pine trees of Island Park, Idaho. Darren truly loved Island Park and would often say "This ain't the city, dude! These are the mountains! It's a whole different world up here, man! There ain't nothin' like livin' in the mountains!"

Darren moved between Washington and Idaho throughout his life and held several job titles in both states. As a young man, he worked in construction and general services. After moving back to Idaho for good, he spent the next several years as a maintenance manager for an apartment complex in Idaho Falls- working alongside one of his best friends, his father Blaine.

Of the many positions he held, he was famous for one career above all others: being the cook. From Washington all the way to Island Park, Darren made a name for himself as an incredible cook, a true master of the grill. For many years you would often find him cooking or bartending at The Shotgun Bar, where he worked until his passing.

Spending time with Darren meant you were guaranteed to go home full of delicious food and great memories.
He loved the outdoors and all that it had to offer. Hunting was one of his favorite hobbies. Usually, he would hunt deer and elk, but on occasion, you might catch him hunting coyotes and woodchucks from the front porch of the cabin.  He also enjoyed riding four-wheelers and snow machines; which he may have wrecked…once….or twice…

Darren loved his family, especially his nieces and nephews. He always called each and every one of them a "punk"- to which one of his young nieces finally responded, "Well you're my uncle, so that makes you Uncle Punk!" And that nickname stuck for good.
Cabin vacations with Uncle Punky were always the highlight of the year. You never knew what adventures and laughs were in store during visits with the "grumpy" and gruff yet incredibly caring, grizzly bear, Darren, but they were always sure to be full of laughter, monster stories around the fire, and unique expressions (throw in a choice word or two) about whatever topic had him fired up at the time— which was usually the skunk family hiding under the Bully Barn.

To know Darren was to love him. To know Darren was also to know that you were never prepared for what he would say next. The expressions, mannerisms, descriptions, and words he would use were always one of a kind, and have lovingly been coined "Darrenisms"

Darren is survived by his mother, Coralee Greek; daughter, Sierra Martzz; siblings, Coreann (Erick) Greenough and Nathan (Jennifer) Jenkins; two granddaughters; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Blaine; a sister, Cindilee; and a grandniece, Charlotte.

Darren's voice was one of a kind and his laughter was contagious; if he was in the room, you knew it! If he was in the room, the room, and everyone's mood, were better for it.

He is deeply loved and will be so deeply missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at the Shotgun Bar, 3519 Yale-Kilgore Road, in Island Park. The family encourages anyone who can make it, to come and share their favorite memories and "Darrenisms".