Obituaries

James L. Perrey

Photo of James L.  Perrey
Mr. James L. Perrey, age 91 years, of Centertown, Mo., passed away Saturday, January 11, 2020 surrounded by his family. James was born on July 1, 1928 in Bonnots Mill, Mo., a son of Lincoln E. and Irene (Jett) Perrey. He was married on June 30, 1951 in Jefferson City, Mo. to Marjorie Scholten, who preceded him in death on January 9, 2001. A resident of central Missouri for the majority of his life, James was a 1946 graduate of Linn High School and attended Jefferson City Junior College. After high school he served in the United States Army as a radio operator during the Operation of Japan period until he was honorably discharged on February 13, 1948. He later became a member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars, Basinger/Sone Post 1003. James was employed with Missouri Power and Light that later became AmerenUE until his retirement in 1984. He was a data processing manager and saw many advancements in technology throughout his 34-year career. He had an amazing work ethic and always eager to learn new software to keep up with industry standards. Even after his retirement, he prided himself on keeping up with computers and software. Family has always been the center of James' life with his favorite memories being with them. When his children were younger, they would take their pop camper throughout the country for two weeks every year. He cherished those times outdoors with his family. Later in his life he would take his R.V. to a retirement community in Mission, Texas during the winter months with his special friend, Pam. James will be remembered for his love of family but also being very organized, a perfectionist and hard working. Those traits lead him into woodworking, which was one of his favorite activities. He and Marge made crafts to sell at various shows throughout Missouri and he later became talented at making furniture for family and friends. He loved tending to his vegetable garden and had an immaculate yard that even won awards. In any free time, James would be watching baseball and football cheering for all the Missouri teams or tinkering with any cars that he had recently purchased. Survivors include: two sons, Jim E. Perrey (wife Debbie) of Decatur, Ill. and David "Turk" Perrey (wife Janet) of Jefferson City, Mo.; son-in-law, Don Kliethermes of Jefferson City, Mo.; five grandchildren, Jesse Perrey (wife Aidan), Cody Perrey (wife Erica), Kimberly Kliethermes, Matthew Perrey (wife Jenna) and Heather Perrey; two great-grandchildren, Jaxon and Adelyn Perrey; one brother-in-law, Jim Naes; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 49 years, Marge; his daughter, Susan Kliethermes; one grandson, Stephen Perrey; brother, Russell D. Perrey; sister, Marlene Naes; and a special friend, Pam Bax. Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 15, 2020. A Celebration of James' Life will be conducted at 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 15, 2020 in the Freeman Chapel with Celebrant Gara Loskill officiating. Graveside services and entombment with military honors will be held at the Mausoleum of Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Basinger/Sone Post 1003, 502 Irwin Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109 or the Central Missouri Honor Flight, 1400 Forum Blvd., Ste. 7-A, Box 334, Columbia, MO 65203. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com

Published January 14, 2020