James Wesley Perkins

James Wesley "Perk" "Jim" "Papa" "Grand-Papa" "Pop" Perkins, 83, formerly of Montgomery, passed away Monday morning at his daughter's home in Florida.

Jim was born November 9, 1931, in Hartsfield, Georgia to Willie Earl and Gladys Maebell (Taylor) Perkins. He valiantly served in the Air Force for 30 years, and retired as a proud Chief Master Sergeant. Some of his earlier hobbies included: fishing, dancing, reading, yard work, and spending time with family and friends. In his later years, Mr. Perkins found joy in simple pleasures such as his great grandchildren's smiles, roses, hummingbirds, a good meal topped off with banana pudding, his comfortable chair by the window, and riding around in a convertible with his loving caregiver, Sandy Nash.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his lovely bride of 58 years, Leta Rue (Smith); a sister, Peggy Getzke; a daughter, Joy Denise; and a grand-daughter Chelsea Helms.

Jim will lovingly be remembered by his sisters, Ginny Clark and Jeri Krieger; his brother, Tony and wife Karen Thompson; three daughters: Gaye Parnell and husband Bill; Lyn Helms, and Melody Westbrook and husband Neil; six grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and a dear lifetime friend, Oscar Barnhart.

The family will receive visitors to celebrate Jim's full life on Saturday, February 21, 2015, from 1-2 p.m. at Leak Memory Chapel (945 Lincoln Rd). The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow services at the Greenwood Serenity Gardens.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association (P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090) or www.alz.org "James Wesley Perkins Tribute Fund". On line condolences may be made at www.leak-mc.com.