James E. Perry

James Earl “Jim” Perry passed away peacefully on June 10, 2010, surrounded by family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife of forty-two years Gayle “Gay” Sandberg Perry, sons Ryan James and Michael James, brother Lyle Perry and his wife Terry and Craig Perry, and his aunt, Kathryn Howschultz. Also surviving Jim are three sister-in-law who loved him like a brother, Sunny Meeks, Merry Brown and Joy Ullstrom. He was blessed with seven nieces and three great-nieces, and four great-nephews.

Jim was born to Earl and Dona Perry on May 1, 1944 in Blencoe, Iowa. He graduated from Blencoe High School in 1962 and went to Iowa State University, where he earned a civil engineering degree in 1967. That same year he and Gay married and Jim joined the U.S. Army, serving in Korea. Jim worked for the Shell Oil Company for thirty-five years, his favorite job being Operations Manager for the Shell Lubricants Plant in Metairie, LA.

Jim was a life-long learner. He earned his MBA in 1979 through Pepperdine University and was pursuing a Masters in Professional Counseling, as well as Marriage and Family Therapy. His area of specialization was working in part with at-risk kids, volunteering at the Juvenile Detention Center. He became acquainted with the ARK Group, a program for families in crisis. In 2007, he was honored as their Person of the Year.

Jim’s passions were the YMCA, serving as President of the Kingwood YMCA where he helped to raise funds for their present facility; First United Methodist Church of Conroe, especially the Seekers Sunday School class, but mostly his sailboat. He shared his love of sailing with many family members and friends, enjoying many trips along the Texas coast. His love for kids was shown in coaching his boy’s soccer team, sitting through many hot summer swim-meets, taking the boys camping with their Indian Guide tribes, and teaching the eighth grade Sunday School class.

For those wishing, memorials may be made in Jim’s name to : The Salvation Army c/o Wayne Bergstrom, 527 Edgewood Drive, Montgomery, TX 77356; First United Methodist Church of Conroe, Youth Ministries; or The ARK Group, 20515 SH 249, LoneStar College University Park CB-122, Houston, Texas 77070.

There will be a Celebration of Life service for Jim at 2:00 P.M. Mon., June 14, 2010 at First United Methodist Church of Conroe, 4308 West Davis Prkwy, Conroe, TX.

Words of condolence may be left for the Perry family at www.metcalffuneraldirectors.com