James (Tom) Thomas Perry Jr. Age 79, passed away on July 18, 2019. He was born September 23, 1939 in Charleston, West Virginia where he grew up and attended West Virginia University in Morgantown. He moved to Washington DC hoping to get a job and was quickly hired as a computer operator. He worked his way up to a supervisory position. In 1980 he moved his family to Orange Park and worked as a supervisor for the computer analyst team for American Transtech; a Division of AT&T in Jacksonville . He retired in 1998 and spent most of his time growing and developing Crinum Lilies and became certified as a Master Gardener. He began hybridizing and developing his own creations and was able to register one with the IBS; International Bulb Society. He named this lily “Adam’s Apple” after his grandson. Another prized lily was named “Emily’s Grace” after a granddaughter. He also had a license as a registered nurseryman with the Florida Department of Agriculture. He had a passion for developing and selling these flower bulbs on the internet and acquired quite a reputation as a seller on eBay.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Madeline Perry. He is also survived by his daughter, Cynthia Peters (Pete) and two sons: Brian Thomas (Jennifer) and Diron James (Janis) Perry. He also leaves behind 6 grandchildren: Megan, Nicole, Morgan, Emily, Blake and Adam, and one great grand daughter, Ryleigh. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
A Memorial Celebration of his life will be held 5 PM, Sunday, July 28th, 2019 with a visitation one hour prior at HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERMEAD FUNERAL HOME, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL. Please post words of comfort at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com.
