James Ray "Jim" Perkins' Obituary
James Ray "Jim" Perkins, age 69, of Highland IL, passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at 4:16 p.m. at Faith Countryside in Highland, IL. Jim was born on October 31, 1947 in Olney, IL. a son to Claud and Lulu (Hodgson) Perkins He graduated from Grayville High School and Southern Illinois University. He married his college sweetheart, Patricia Ann Clark, on December 21, 1968, while both were on Christmas break, and she survives.
He taught school at Pinckneyville Junior High, and students fondly remember when he invited the entire class to his home to hear The Beatles White album. His daughter would be told later that the experience was "mind blowing." He retired from MCA/universal as a quality control supervisor and greatly enjoyed one of the perks of the job, bringing home new music to share with his family. He boasted one of the best home stereo systems in Perry County, and tested its limits on Friday nights with his daughter. Jim was an avid runner completing three marathons, and scaring his family nearly to death. He was a founding member of the pyramid running club. When his joints would no longer allow him to run, he enjoyed walks with his dog, reading, and evenings in the garden. He created many lasting memories with his family and will be forever missed. Jim believed in community service and science. He was a longtime member of the Pinckneyville Lions Club. Jim has donated his brain to the Washington University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, in hopes that it will help to find a cure. Survivors include his wife; one daughter, Katherine "Kathy" (Todd) Dorman of Marion, IA; one brother, Tom (Mary Lou) Perkins of Garland, TX; one sister, Donna Perkins Robinson of Grayville, IL; three brothers-in-law, Robert Burrows of Crossville, IL, Paul "Wheaties" Hollenkamp of Breese, IL, Bill (Nancy) Clark of Shattuc, IL; one sister-in-law, Mary (Jim) Niemann of Breese, IL; two grandchildren, Tess and Ella Dorman of Marion, IA; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Lou Burrows; brother-in-law, Marvin "Butch" Robinson; sister-in-law, Carol Hollenkamp; nephew, Paul Perkins. Funeral services will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with Mr. Danny Points officiating. Interment will be in Galum Presbyterian Cemetery, Pinckneyville, IL, at a later date. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, the Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, or Heartland Hospice.
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