James "Bugs" Perry Jr.

He was born on December 3, 1937 in Washington, DC to James and Minnie (Young) Perry. He was educated in the DC Public Schools system, attending Phelps Vocational High School, and in 1955, joined the U.S. Navy, serving during the Korean War and ended his military service as a Naval Reservist in 1968. Bugs graduated from Kerpell Dental School, where he received training as a dental technician. For a short time, he was a cook at Bethesda Naval Hospital, before joining Rothstein Dental Lab as a dental technician and instructor for several years. Later, he joined his father’s business, P&P Dental Lab, where he successfully operated the business until 1999.

When Bugs wasn’t working, you would find him on a fishing trip somewhere along the East Coast, enjoying his favorite past time. He enjoyed life to the fullest through the simple pleasures.

He is survived by seven children, Anthony (Pamela) Perry, Keith Perry, Darryl (Deverance) Perry, Randy Perry, Ricardo Perry, Shantay (Anthony) Perry-Saulsbury, and Derrick Ijames; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; his first wife, the former Ruth Washington; two brothers, Charles Clayborne of North Carolina and Robert (Diane) Jenkins of Pennsylvania; a loving sister, Maggie Harrison of Washington, DC; a niece, Denise Harrison; two nephews, Kevin and Brian Harrison; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his second wife, Gloria Lowe Perry.

He will be sorely missed.