James "Russell" Perkins

James “Russell” Perkins, 92, of Louisville Kentucky went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Russell was born on November 22, 1933 in Malt, Ball Hollow, Kentucky to Robert Moss and Stella Blanche (Huber) Perkins. Russell went to the Clark County School, Buffalo High School and finished high school in 1950 at 16 years of age. He joined the Navy on April 4, 1951, and served on the USS Franklin D Roosevelt (CV-42) until September 8, 1954. He met the love of his life, Gloria Dean, on a blind date and spent the next 67 years of marriage traveling and raising a family. From 1954 to 1958, he was an employee of the Clayton and Lambert Manufacturing Company of Louisville. After attending the University of Louisville, he went to work at the Naval Ordnance Station working on Weapons Systems in the Engineering Department. He spent the remainder of his years pursuing his interest in family genealogy research, documenting cemetery sites, and riding his motorcycles in all 48 contiguous states. He completed 3 books detailing generations of his family history in the areas of Larue, Taylor, and Green Counties of Kentucky. He enjoyed snow birding in Florida for 37 years with Gloria. He also enjoyed many camping adventures with family, friends, and the S’more Campers.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents; 6 siblings, Gaines, Lawrence, Beulah, Clifford, Fay, and Gene.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 67 years, Gloria Dean (Langdon) Perkins; children, Cindy Fryrear (Paul), Chad Perkins (Wendy), Colette Hayes (Rodney); grandchildren, Meagan Molestina (Michael), Garrett Fryrear (Lauren), William Hayes (Kelsey), Madelyn Algee (max), Cody Fryrear, Seth Perkins, Elizabeth Hayes; great-grandchildren, Emma Molestina, Cole Fryrear, Ava Molestina, Lily Fryrear, Henry Hayes, Everleigh Duff, Benjamin Hayes, Laney Molestina; several extended family members and dear friends.

The Funeral Service will be Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 2:00pm at Advantage Hardy Chapel with burial immediately following in Bethany Cemetery with Military Honors. Visitation will be Tuesday, February 11, 2026 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm and again on Thursday from 12:00pm until the Hour of Service at the funeral home.