JAMES LEE PERKINS 1935 – 2023

James Lee Perkins, 87, of Georgetown, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on April 5, 2023.

James, Jim, Jimmy, JL, or Perk was a preacher’s kid, soldier, entrepreneur, pilot, banker, and rancher. He was born on July 30, 1935, in Terre Haute, Indiana and played any sport with a ball. He wrote for the school paper, performed in plays, and could make music with just about any instrument. The trumpet was his favorite, which he played at school and church. Jim loved the Army. He was the starting pitcher for The Big Blue and a military courier who transported classified documents via handcuffed briefcases between Army bases in Germany.

After the Army, Jim found success as a steel industry salesman before starting his own flange manufacturing company, National Flange & Fitting Co. in 1971. After eight years of discipline and dedication, he sold the company to begin his second career as a rancher. Jim’s horse hobby turned into a business where he bred, raised, and raced quarter horses and thoroughbreds. He said his favorite part of racing was “winning.” As the face of Fairweather Farms in Navasota, Jim was twice named Texas Breeder of the Year by Track Magazine, including a cover photo of him with his favorite candy, Peanut M&Ms.

Jim retired in Georgetown, Texas to be near his twin granddaughters. His day job was to play as much left-handed golf as possible. Jim bragged about his hole in one at Augusta National Golf Club. Yes, there were witnesses. When asked what he had learned during his life, Jim said “The main thing I learned was to put God first” quoting his favorite scripture, Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Pastor Glenn Perkins and Fern Burn Perkins; brothers, Don Perkins, Bobby Gene Perkins, Marvin Perkins; and sister, Betty Malz.

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 65 years, Bobbie Laird Perkins.; brother Gary Perkins; daughter and sonin- law, Lisa and Gregg Gatlin; granddaughters, Emma Gatlin and Greta Gatlin; his chosen granddaughter, Sarah Mueller; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Jim was a charming, opinionated, and stubborn man who loved God and his family. At his insistence, there will be no visitation, funeral, or memorial.