J.R. Perkins

J.R. Perkins left his earthly body and went to be with the Lord on July 13, 2012.

J.R. was born in Ventura, May 6, 1935. He graduated from Ventura High School in 1953 and was Senior Class President. He also attended Whittier College, Ventura College, and earned his degree at the University of Redlands, where he also met the love of his life. He played basketball for all these institutions and received several honors and recognitions at each. He also did his graduate work at what was then San Fernando Valley State College.

J.R. was in education most of his life. He often said he was a slow learner! He started as a teacher and coach at Paramount High School in 1958 and retired from education in 1990, spending the last 25 years as a counselor at Simi Valley High School. While working for the Simi Unified School District, he served as president of the Counselors Assoc. as the leader for a national project called Project Interchange from 1966 to 1968 and on numerous projects and committees for the district. He also worked part time as a counselor for adult education and Moorpark College. J.R. also served many years as a basketball referee at both the high school and collegiate levels. He remained an avid fan of many sports, but basketball was an obvious favorite, at all levels. He also worked part time, in his later years, in real estate along with his wife. There was not a lot of idle time with his church activities and interest in camping, fishing, and travel with family and friends.

Professionally and in all his activities, his many friends and associates had the utmost respect for his work ethic, integrity and positive nature. If anyone wanted a straight answer, they knew they could get it from J.R. unabridged. But he was also known for having a very good sense of humor and having a special ability with the written word. His later years were marred by having several physical problems, but there was seldom a complaint as he could put a positive spin on them.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Cynthia; his father Lester Perkins of Ventura; son and daughter-in-law Jeffrey and Cheryl Perkins of Simi Valley, CA; son and daughter-in-law, Brent and Tina Perkins of Oceanside, CA; son and daughter-in-law Kevin and Nicci Perkins of Las Vegas, NV; four grandchildren 1 great granddaughter Carpi.

Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday at Ivy Lawn Park, Ventura.

Arrangements by Charles Carroll Funeral Home. (805) 642-8134.