Submitted by: Dan Rich

 

James G. Perkins

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.