Submitted by: Dan Rich
April 28, 1924 - Feb. 8, 2008
South Bend Tribune 2/10/2008
SOUTH BEND - James G. Perkins, 83, was born April 28,
1924, in Denver, Colorado, the son of Frances and Lewis Perkins.
Jim grew up in the mountains of Colorado where he developed a
lifelong love of the out-of-doors and the Rocky Mountains. Jim
was a Naval officer in WWII, where he was involved with the First
Airborne Radar Systems, the predecessor to the AWACS (Airborne
Warning and Control System).
During his time in the Navy he found the
love of his life, Ann Eberhart Hillier of Mishawaka, his
wife of almost 62 years. Jim and Ann raised their six children in
the Midwest moving from Indiana to Kentucky to Michigan where
they lived for over 20 years. Jim and Ann moved back to the
Mishawaka-South Bend area 25 years ago. Jim's love of the
outdoors and leadership lead him to an active 57 years of
involvement with the Boy Scouts. From den leader to executive
council work, Jim actively played out his belief that scouting
was a very important part of children's lives. Jim's passion
inspired his two sons and two grandsons to earn Eagle Scout
recognition. Jim's dedication was recently recognized in
receiving the prestigious Silver Beaver award for his service.
Jim's community involvement included Rotary International where
he served in various officer capacities during his 49 years of
perfect attendance. Most recently he served the Mishawaka Rotary
Club as president and as secretary and editor of the club's
newsletter. Children's education was important throughout Jim's
life. He fully participated in his children's education serving
on numerous Parent Teacher Organizations, Board of Directors of
the Leelanau Schools, and supporting sports and band. Jim taught
in Junior Achievement for many years and he had tutored
after-school math and reading at several area elementary schools.
While Jim had been an active member of the community, the pride
and joy of his life were his wife, children, grandchildren and
great-grandchildren.
James is survived by his wife, Ann Hillier
Perkins, and five of his six children, Nancy Perkins Kemmitt
(husband William), James H. (Jay) Perkins (wife Marcia Cushman),
Sarah F. Perkins, Samuel L. Perkins and Martha G. Perkins. His
daughter, Ellen Perkins Arnold (husband David), passed
away in November 2006. Ann and Jim's 12 grandchildren along with
their 10 great-grandchildren brought Jim great joy, laughter and
pride. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have
wonderful memories of Papa's bow ties, ice cream, his fantastic
pancakes and waffles, and his love. The family wishes to thank
the caring, compassionate care Jim received from the staff at
South Bend Memorial Hospital.
The memorial service is at 4 p.m. Monday,
February 11, 2008, in Welsheimer Family Funeral Home, 521 North
William, South Bend, IN. Visitations will be from 4 to 6 p.m.
today, February 10, and two hours prior to the memorial service
on Monday. Memorial contributions may be made to the La Salle
Council BSA, 1340 South Bend Ave., South Bend, IN 46617; or to
the Mishawaka Rotary Club, PO Box 7, Mishawaka, IN 46546.