Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Jimmie Perry
Apr 14th, 1947 - Oct 29th, 2015Jimmie D. Perry, age 68, of Xenia, Illinois, passed away Thursday, October 29, 2015, at Good Samaritan Regional Health Center in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
Jim was born April 14, 1947, in Elm River Township, Wayne County, IL, to Richard E. and Blanche V. (Scheetz) Perry. He married Jennifer Rose on August 5, 1967, at the Red Brush Christian Church in Louisville.
Jim was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in four campaigns in Vietnam and was honorably discharged in May 1972. He embarked on a 30-year career as an Illinois State Trooper, serving District 7 and 12, and retiring after a decade-long assignment as a Public Information Officer, with diverse responsibilities including disaster preparedness training. Jim also acted as a traffic safety instructor through an affiliation with Northwestern University Traffic Institute. His working roles exemplified his dedication to promoting educational activities throughout Southern Illinois. He was awarded recognition for his accomplishments with the ISP, including participation in coping with events like the 1981 Kerr-McGee mine strike in Galatia. He was a member of the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police, Illinois Blue Knights Law Enforcement motorcycle club, and a long-time member of Flora Elks #1659 where he served as past Exalted Ruler, and was an accomplished participant in annual ritual contests throughout the United States. He had been a member of Oak Street Baptist Church in Flora. Jim found enjoyment in mushroom hunting and had a soft spot for animals.
He is survived by his wife: Jennifer Perry of Xenia; son: Justin (Bridget) Perry of Edmond, OK; two grandchildren: Jett Perry and Savanah Rose Perry; siblings: Rick (Carolyn) Perry of Flora, Gary (Debbie) Perry of Flora, Pam (Bill) Stephens of Flora, and Harold (Rita) Perry of Cisne; father-in-law: W. Paul Rose (the late Mildred) of Flora; and two brothers-in-law: Paul (JoAnn) Rose of Flora and Ken (Pam) Rose of Osteen, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A funeral service for Jim Perry will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, November 7, 2015, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery with U.S. military and Illinois State Police honors presented. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Friday, November 6, 2015, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home. Memorial donations are suggested to Community Southern Baptist Church of Clay City and will be received at the funeral home. To share a memory or condolence, visit www.frankandbright.com.