J. A. Perrin, 98 years of age, was born to John and Clella (Boultinghouse) Perrin on December 1, 1919 in Afton OK. His parents gave him initials at the time of his birth, but after converting to Catholicism in his 20s, he chose the name, Jay Anthony. He grew up on the family farm in Afton, until his family moved to the Kansas City, MO area. Jay's five siblings Electa, Myrtle, Joseph Wesley, Ida and Edward have preceded him in death.
Jay's family moved several times throughout his childhood. He attended Bristol Elementary School and graduated from Northeast High School. Jay worked hard all his life and in his early years had a variety of jobs, including being a steward for Greyhound Bus Lines, grocery delivery boy, carpenter's helper, receiving/shipping clerk, and assistant manager at Katz Drug Company.
Jay met his future wife, Frances Lorenz, thru his sister, Ida, and after a short courtship, they married on November 29, 1941. He joined the United States Army Air Force on March 23, 1943 and served until February 16, 1946. While his wish was to serve overseas, he was assigned Instructor responsibilities teaching new recruits such skills as typing, Morse code, and radar. After honorable discharge, Jay resumed his position with Katz Drug Co. He and Frances moved to Independence MO, where they raised a family of 6. After leaving Katz, he worked as a milkman for Country Club Dairy. One of his favorite stories was telling of the time he went to the home of Harry S. Truman to ask for his business. President Truman was very kind and told him he was with another dairy, but if he ever decided to change, it would be to Country Club Dairy. His final career choice was Warehouse Management with Kansas City Terminal Warehouse. But, it was his next position with Donahue Sales Corporation in 1970 that had a huge impact on Jay and his family. After living in Missouri their entire life, Jay and Frances, with 3 of their daughters, were transferred to Milford, CT. While it was a culture shock, Jay excelled in the position. After the company was sold, his next and final position was with Offray Ribbon. He retired in 1988.
After their transfer to Connecticut in 1970, Jay's career choices involved moves to Bolingbrook, IL, Memphis, TN and Olive Branch, MS. In 1981, they moved back to Independence, MO. While raising their children, Jay and Frances participated in many activities at St. Mary's Parish. They enjoyed their time as members of St. Mary's High School Booster Club, where Jay drove the bus for the St. Mary's High School football team and Frances worked the concession stand. As members of the booster club, he and Frances loved to join friends in card games and dances. Jay had spent his youth hunting & fishing with friends & family and this passion continued for years after his retirement.
On November 19, 2018, Jay passed peacefully at the Cameron, MO Veterans Home. He is survived in death by his son Ray, his daughters Judy (Dale) Weatherford, Janice (Tim) Holmes, Rebecca Lynch, Barbara (Dave) Wheaton and Geralyn Perrin. Jay loved his grandchildren: Andrea (Kevin) Peterson, John (Staci) Perrin, Justin Perrin, Jason (Jill) Holmes, Megan (Alan) Weis, Brian (Emily) Holmes, Brandon Weatherford, Brooke (Tim) Murphy, Brent (Gerri) Weatherford, Melissa Lynch, Mallory Wheaton, Kellen Wheaton, Gregory Treinen, Rory ( Mandy) Broughton, and Hayley Perrin. Jay is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Logan, Quinton, Jordan, Karley, Alex, Cameron, Oliver, Maddie, Ellie, Jay, Olivia, Chase, Reagan, Alana, Delaney, Sloan, Brody and Brock.
His cremains will be buried in a private ceremony at Woodlawn Cemetery. In honor of his legacy, family and friends will celebrate his life at a later date. In lieu of flowers or donations, perform a random act of kindness in Jay's name.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.9.5