Perry Edwin James Jr.

Perry Edwin James, Jr., 92, made a peaceful transition to heaven on December 28, 2018, met by his beloved wife Kathryn. He was born June 13, 1926 in Wilmington, NC to the late Perry E. James, Sr. and Louise King James. There he was an Eagle Scout and attended New Hanover High School. After high school, he served briefly in the U.S. Navy, attended UNC-Wilmington and owned a photography studio before settling into a career with Atlantic Coast Line Railroad in Wilmington. In 1947, he married his high school sweetheart, Kathryn Kester, enjoying an inseparable bond with her through 57 years together. Eventually, they moved to Raleigh where he worked and retired from IBM.

Perry will be remembered as a loving husband and father and as a great friend to countless persons he encountered over his lifetime. He loved his entire family and will be greatly missed. He was particularly excited to see his family grow with grandchildren and great grandchildren. Photography and U.S. and European travel were enjoyable hobbies of his. Many photographs live on showing his ability to create beauty with a camera.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Kathryn; brother, David W. James; and an infant daughter.

Perry is survived by son, Perry E. James, III (Cynthia) of Chapel Hill; and daughter, Nancy K. James, of Southsea, England. Grandchildren are Drew James (Lindsey), Courtney Hilker (Ben) and Nancy’s daughters, Fiona, Christina and Rachel. Beloved great grandchildren include Ella, Lucy, Kennedy and Collins. Also surviving are sister-in-law, Joan James; and special nephew, Graham James.

The family will receive friends from 12:30-2:00pm on Thursday, January 3 at Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, followed by a service at 2:00pm. Burial will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Baptist Church, 4815 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27609.