James L. Perkins, Sr

PERKINS, James Sr. Kalamazoo Jim passed away suddenly January 19, 2007 at his home. He was born November 4, 1942 in Kalamazoo, the son of the late John and Norma Dimond Perkins. Jim was a veteran of the United States Navy. He was employed by Kalamazoo State Hospital for 28 years until his retirement. On April 10, 1965, he was united in marriage to the former Beverly Anderson in Kalamazoo. Jim was an outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, gardening, and motorcycles. He also enjoyed watching race cars, woodworking, and was a member of Temple Baptist Church. Surviving are his wife, Beverly; children, Kevin and Janet Neal of Mattawan, Dane Neal of Lansing, Moreen and Brad Horsford of Jackson, Annette Sayen of Arizona, Shawn and Sybil Neal of Kalamazoo, Jim Jr. and Liz Perkins of Kalamazoo, and Tracy Taylor of Portage; 16 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters, Marilyn McCormick, Debra and Stacy Martin, and Diane Birdsall and John Whitney; 5 brothers, Dennis and Kathy Perkins, John and Christine Perkins, Richard and Linda Perkins, William and Connie Perkins, and Mike and Nancy Thompson; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his parents, and 1 sister, Barbara Ennis. Funeral services for Mr. Perkins will be at 1:00 PM on Tuesday at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th Street, with Pastor Herb Hutchinson of Temple Baptist Church officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Friends may visit with the family from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM on Monday at the funeral home. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to Temple Baptist Church.