James Michael Perkins

(1939 – 2024)

James Michael Perkins, 85, of Springboro, OH, passed away on October 24, 2024.

James was born in Memphis, TN, in 1939 to Thelma Louise (Bateman) and Joseph Gabriel James Perkins, Jr. During a childhood spent in New Orleans (N’awlins), LA and Water Valley, MS, he acquired his lifelong love of eating raw oysters. He later moved with his family to Piqua, OH. Very active in Scouting, he received the prestigious Eagle Scout and “God and Country” awards from the Boy Scouts of America. He was a graduate of the Piqua Central High School Class of 1957. After high school he joined the United States Marine Corps and very proudly served his country from 1957 through 1961.

With the heart of a servant, in 1961, he found what would become his life’s calling and joined the Dayton (OH) Police Department. Commonly known as “Perk”, he proudly served his community as an Undercover Narcotics Detective in the Organized Crime Unit, devoting himself to, as he would say, “ridding the world of dope sucking pinko commies”. Through his efforts, countless lives were saved. Perk never sought thanks or recognition for his efforts; helping others and changing lives was thanks enough. He was a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Police for 63 years and an active member of Resurrection Anglican Church for 23 years.

In his personal life, Perk was exceedingly kind and generous to any person whom he encountered in need of help, always practicing his life’s guiding principle of “TRUST GOD, work hard and help others”. He was always present for his loved ones in any manner needed and whole-heartedly enjoyed golfing, traveling, petting any dog that crossed his path (especially Maggie), and consuming raw oysters all over the world.

He was preceded in death by mother, Thelma Louise Bateman Perkins; father, Joseph Gabriel James Perkins, Jr.; daughter, Molly Lynn Perkins; mother-in-law, Fannie Louise Yates; father-in-law, Richard (Dick) Warner Yates, Jr.; brother-in-law, Richard Wayne Yates, Sr.; and his beloved puppy dog “Dash”.

Perk is survived by his wife of 32 years, Teresa Yates Perkins; son, James Louis Perkins (Elizabeth L. Osterday); daughter, Polly Annette Perkins; granddaughter, Ellynn Rozsa Perkins; sister, Terri Perkins Shampton; and former wife, Sally Perkins Donese. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, and extremely dear friends.

Memorial services will be held December 5th, 2024, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 500 East Second St., Franklin, OH 45005, with visitation from 2:30pm-4:00pm. The Memorial Service will begin at 4:00pm with a Celebration of Life Dinner immediately following at 5:30pm at the Life Celebration Center, 360 Commerce Center Dr., Franklin, OH 45005.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fraternal Order of Police Captain John C. Post Lodge #44 or to Resurrection Anglican Church.