Jimmie C. Perkins

1935 - 2018

Automotive industry icon J.C. "Jim" Perkins passed away on Dec. 28, 2018, in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the age of 83.

Born in Waco, Texas, on March 7, 1935, Jim proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1953-1957 before attending his hometown Baylor University. His legendary career in the car business began in Dallas in 1960 as a materials return clerk, which at the time was the lowest entry level position within Chevrolet Motor Division.

Jim quickly established himself as a "leader's leader," rising through the ranks and holding a variety of management roles at Chevrolet, Buick and Toyota. Regarded as an innovative and dynamic executive, his achievements included a significant revitalization of Chevrolet in the early 1990s and the successful launch of the Lexus brand for Toyota.

Jim's extraordinary leadership capabilities were exemplified in his management of Chevrolet Motor Division, the largest car division at the largest car company in the world. As general manager from 1989-1996, he reinvigorated Chevy's products with 16 new vehicle lines and restored its prominence in the industry with increased sales and vastly improved customer and dealer relations. One of his signature achievements was saving Chevrolet's flagship model, the storied Corvette, for which he was honored in 1999 with induction into the Corvette Hall of Fame.

As head of Chevrolet, Jim also oversaw GM Racing, which delivered five NASCAR manufacturer championships and dominated all classes of open-wheel motor sports during his seven-year tenure. He drove the pace car for the prestigious Indianapolis 500 on three occasions: 1990, 1993 and 1995.

Following his retirement from Chevrolet, Jim was named president and CEO of Charlotte-based Hendrick Automotive Group in 1997. He was responsible for the direction and growth of one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States until 2005 when he became the first president and COO of The Hendrick Cos.

Jim was a three-time recipient of the Automotive News Automotive All-Star Award and served on a variety of boards, including for Bass Pro Shops, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, and Axxess Technologies.

For all his professional achievements, Jim is remembered by his closest friends and family as a loving and devoted husband, an incredible father and grandfather, and a gentleman of deep faith. Married to the love of his life, Barbara, for 51 years, he was humble, kind and compassionate. At the same time, he was the embodiment of the strength, courage and confidence indicative of his Texas roots.

A true auto enthusiast and preservationist, Jim was a collector of muscle cars - all Chevrolet - and car memorabilia. He was an avid fresh water fisherman and especially cherished spending time with his family and friends. A Texan through and through, he maintained a residence in Arlington until his death.

Jim is survived by his children, Steve Perkins (Tammy), Penni Watkins (Kenny) and Patrick Perkins (Mary); his grandchildren, Amber Ramsey, Justin Perkins, Paryse Watkins and Julia Perkins; and his great grandchildren, Ethan Ramsey, Kellen Ramsey, Jackson Ramsey, Judah Perkins and Ellie Perkins. He was preceded in death by his dear wife, Barbara; his sister, Edna Dell; and his parents, Proctor and Carrie Perkins.

On Thursday, Jan. 3, the family will receive visitors from 12:30-3:00 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 3:30 p.m. at Central Church of God, 5301 Sardis Road, Charlotte, NC 28270. A private burial will be held in Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jim's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).

Heritage Funeral and Cremation Service - Weddington Chapel, is assisting the family. On-line condolences may be left for the family at www.heritagecares.com