Jim was born on February 18, 1933 in Lake City, Iowa, the son of Cecil and Lucille (Pruter) Perkins. During his high school years, Jim’s family moved from Iowa to northern California where he attended Tamalpais High School located in Mill Valley, California. He moved back to Nevada to graduate from Nevada High School in 1951. Jim enjoyed playing basketball for both high schools as well as playing trumpet in the band. He went on to Iowa State University and graduated in the Class of 1955, majoring in Engineering with a minor in art.

While attending Iowa State, Jim met the love of his life, Estelle Tripet. The couple married on June 11, 1955 in Berwyn, Illinois, and were blessed with four children — Dave, Brenda, Don, and Beverly. In 2025, they celebrated seventy years of marriage.

Jim enlisted in the United States Army, serving from November 1955 to November 1957. He was stationed in Fort Bliss, El Paso, TX as well as Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, AL. Jim has shared several stories of serving during the era with Wernher Von Braun who was leading the Jupiter ballistic missile program at Redstone.

Following military service, Jim began a career with Fisher Governor Company that is known today as Emerson. In the mid-1960s, he moved the family from Jerome Street to a farm on RR 3 West Main. The farm was a great place to raise children and teach them how to ride a bike, drive a tractor or go-cart, bale hay, throw and hit a baseball, or go fishing, hunting and gardening. They raised livestock that included ponies, cattle, and especially sheep. Jim and oldest son Dave showed sheep at numerous fairs around Iowa, and they had a grand champion ram at the Iowa State Fair. Social time was shared with cherished neighbors, bonding together over hayrides, camping adventures, and being there for each other in times of need.

His work at Fishers included many years in Marshalltown with a transfer in 1975 moving the Perkins family to Coraopolis, Pennsylvania during the Pittsburgh Steelers Steel Curtain, Terrible Towel era. In the early 1990s, Jim and Estelle again transferred with Fishers to live in Connecticut. Though they moved around, Jim and Estelle always came back to Marshalltown.

Jim and Estelle were a part of two churches in Marshalltown. Before heading to Pennsylvania, they were active in the Congregational Church. While away, they established roots with the Sharon Presbyterian Church in Moon Township. Returning to Marshalltown, the couple continued worshipping at the First Presbyterian Church. Jim loved the men’s bible study group called “Flap Jacks.” Even after he had to give up his driver’s license, he continued to attend the Thursday morning group. Early years found Jim and Estelle in the church choir or serving as deacons.

Jim had a love for sports, especially tennis and golf. Living off of the 4th tee box of the Elmwood Country Club gave Jim access to enjoy playing golf and watching others play. He was a member of the country club and part of the “garbage gang”. Even though he was known for a wicked slice and putting his share of divots around the course, Jim did score a “hole in one” on the 3rd hole. Jim and son Don often played in the summer guest tournaments. Jim and Estelle could often be found enjoying themselves playing golf or on the tennis courts.

Jim and Estelle loved to travel. One group that was dear to their hearts was the International Friendship Force. An Iowan chapter facilitated their traveling to Turkey, Ireland and Europe. They also hosted visitors from Russia, Turkey, Germany and Scandinavian countries.

Jim also gave years of service volunteering in his community. Most recently with the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) helping seniors navigate insurance choices. Jim was recognized by SHIIP for exemplary service two years in a row and received the State of Iowa Governor Volunteer Award. He was also awarded National Volunteer of the Week for Medicare/Medicaid services for the state of Iowa and for Marshall County.

To anyone that knew him, Jim was the GOAT of storytelling, covering many subjects from his life experiences with genealogy research, sports, bird watching, the weather, travels, his kids, or growing up in Iowa. He always had a story to tell, and most of us have heard them multiple times.

Jim enjoyed a long loving life. Jim was preceded in death by his parents: Cecil and Lucille; his Uncle Vernon and Aunt Helen Pruter; son in law, George Spencer Branch. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Estelle; children, David Boyd (Paula Gillard) Perkins, Brenda Branch, Donald James (Becky Corinth) Perkins, and Beverly Free. Grandchildren include Blair Perkins, Aaron Free, Adrienne (Brandon) Keaveny, and David J. Perkins. Jim was very proud of the newest addition, his first great grandchild, Bennett Keaveny, born October 6, 2025.

Per Jim and his family’s wishes, cremation rites will take place. Visitation will be held at Mitchell Family Funeral home from 4:00 until 6:00 P.M. on Friday, February 27, 2026. A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at the First Presbyterian Church of Marshalltown. Memorial donations may be directed to First Presbyterian Church in Marshalltown or to the donor’s choice.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted to care for Jim and his family. To leave online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

~ Lovingly written by the Perkins family