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John Perryman Obituary
April 10, 1950 - July 7, 2022
Leawood, Kansas - Dr. J. Chris Perryman, MD passed away on July 7th, 2022 at his home in Overland Park, KS. Chris was born in Wichita, KS on April 10th, 1950, to Roy and Arvilla (Stever) Perryman. Chris knew as early as eight-years-old that he wanted to be a doctor. He received a full-ride scholarship to Yale University, earning an undergraduate degree in Biology, then returned to his midwestern roots to attend the University of Kansas Medical School, graduating in 1976. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Saint Luke's Hospital. Early in his residency he met Kathy, who became his best friend and beloved wife of 45 years.
Chris developed his clinical practice that spanned more than 45 years at Saint Luke's Health System. He was committed to building lasting connections and a strong rapport with his patients through the many phases of their lives and for multiple generations of families. His strongest passions were the day-to-day practice of medicine and education, both his own and preparing future practitioners. He was a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine with the UMKC School of Medicine and educated residents and medical students in internal medicine for over 30 years. He was honored to receive the Missouri Chapter Laureate Award from the American College of Physicians in 2010 for his excellence in medical care, education, and service within the specialty of internal medicine. He was also a respected leader and advocate for physicians throughout his career. He served two terms as Medicine Department Chair, then in several medical staff offices, leading to becoming President of the Medical Staff. He was Medical Director of St. Luke's Internal Medicine since its opening in 1992. Chris served as Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Saint Luke's Health system since 2018 and was a steadfast champion for all physicians. His leadership proved vital throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he provided a dedicated and trusted voice for the health system's medical staff, employees, patients, and communities.
Chris will be remembered for his up-beat personality, quick wit, sharp observations, humility, leadership, incredible intelligence, and his genuine care for all who knew him. He was a devoted husband and father. He enjoyed reading, watching all sports (especially his KU Jayhawks and the KC Chiefs), taking walks with the family dogs, doing crossword puzzles, traveling with family, and simply relaxing at home. Chris was committed to his spouse, his Christian faith, and his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; their four children, Natalie, Katie, Max, and Mollie; his son-in-law, Sebastian; and his two sisters, Jeanette and Roann. In the words of Chris: "Who you are as a being and the love you give and share will mean far more to you and to others than what you ever accomplish." He never spent a day without expressing gratitude for being blessed with a wonderful life; his life has truly been a blessing to us all.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday July 12th, 2022 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in St. John's United Methodist Church, 6900 Ward Parkway Kansas City, MO 64113. The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday July 13th, 2022 at 1:00 pm in St. John's United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at 3:00 pm in Johnson County Memorial Gardens,11200 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66210.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Saint Luke's Foundation https://saintlukesgiving.givevirtuous.org/Donate or to St. John's United Methodist Church https://www.shelbygiving.com/app/giving/stjohnsumckc.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Perryman
Sponsored by Kansas City Star.
Lee Anna Jones
July 4, 2025
Best doctor my mother had
Susan R.
July 8, 2023
I will always remember and miss Dr. Perryman, my primary care physician for more than 30 years. Hopefully I can bring some of that listening, caring and joy to others, as he did for me and so many people. I offer my prayers for his family.
Michael Costello, II
July 7, 2023
Janice Costello (RN) met him at St Lukes during his residency, made him our primary doctor soon after that. Took excellent care of both of us for over 40 years. we will continue to miss him for rest of our lives!
Tom Denzer
July 4, 2023
I still think of Doctor Perryman often. His friendship and outlook on life was equal to his knowledge of medicine. He truly cared for his patients, their lives, their families. It´s not often that you can call your doctor a good friend too. Being a musician I was able to recommend a drum instructor for his son, and he kept me up on his wife´s bass guitar progress. He was really excited about both. I still keep him and his family in my prayers. Losing your doctor is one thing, losing a good friend is another. RIP Doctor Perryman.
Brenda Christ
July 4, 2023
It's hard to believe that it's already been a year that you've been gone. Everyone misses you. Everything has changed so much at work since you went to your heavenly home. Saint Luke's Perryman Primary Care will never be the same.
Carla M McAdoo
September 25, 2022
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. Dr. Perryman was the best. He was my Mother's physician for over twenty years. We just learned of his passing today. Rest In Peace
Michael B Sheehan MD
August 6, 2022
I was just informed of Chris's death. He was my physician and I always found him to be an excellent physician. I chose him to be my doc because he treated me like any patient and was very systematic and complete in his evaluations. He was also very friendly, compassionate, and humorous. He had all the virtues of a great doc.
Phyllis Westover
August 2, 2022
I am greatly saddened to have lost not only a wise and caring primary care physician, but also such a leader in the medical profession who projected integrity.
Sandy Boeshart
July 26, 2022
I just today learned if Dr Perryman´s passing and I´m devastated and saddened. I was one of his first patients over 40 years ago when he took over for my previous physical. I´ve been through a lot with Dr Perryman and always looked forward to seeing at my appointments. He would always ask about my family, remembering he had twins the same age as ours. I always trusted him to the fullest with my healthcare. My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to the Perryman family and also his staff. He will be greatly missed.
R. Beede
July 18, 2022
Genuinely one of the nicest people I have ever met. My deepest condolences.
Lisa Sink Whitlow
July 17, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Perryman's passing. He was my father's doctor for many years and helped him manage his severe diabetes. Both of my parents (Robert and Jean Sink) loved him for his compassion, humor, and expertise! I know they would join me in sending deepest condolences.
Teresa Chapman
July 16, 2022
I just found out about Dr. Perrymans' passing. I'm so sad. I started going to Dr. Perryman when I was in my early twenties. I'm now 63 years old. He was such a wonderful doctor. He saved my life. After having my daughter in 1984 I fell into a horrible postpartum, depression and anxiety. After months of suffering I finally called Dr. Perryman who saw me the next day. After kindly scolding me for not contacting him sooner, he prescribed me Prozac, explained what was happening in my brain and the possible side-effects and sent me home. In 2-3 days he called to check on me. I was back to normal!! Since than I've spoke to many people about my experience. Encouraging people to not be embarrassed or afraid to talk about mental health issues and to find help. Dr. Perryman's kindness and concern not only helped his patients but also helped people he never met. He was such a wonderful man, doctor and friend.
Prayers to his family.
Thomas F and Thomas M Denzer
July 15, 2022
Long time patients of Dr. Perryman. We are just learning of this news and in total shock! We are completely devastated that we didn´t know sooner to attend services. We absolutely loved Doc Perryman and he is forever in our hearts. Our condolences go out to his loving family and we know he is in heaven today.
Terry Thompson
July 14, 2022
Dear Kathy & family, may God grant you much peace in knowing that Dr. Perryman is in heaven today. He served our family for over 40 years...my grandmother, my Dad, my Mother, and me. He was truly a blessing to each of us. He was brilliant, compassionate, caring, kind and loved to converse. I will never forget back in 2004 when my Mother had cancer and was having surgery right after Valentine's Day. They were operating on a phlegmon in her abdomen that had to be removed--it was the size of very large softball. I was with my 83 year old Dad in the waiting room. Dr. Perryman insisted on joining the surgeon in conveying the outcome of the surgery (there was much concern she might not make it through the surgery since she was also undergoing chemotherapy treatments just before the surgery and had a considerably weakened immune system). Dr. Perryman came out into the waiting room and informed us the surgery went well. He demonstrated so much thoughtfulness and kindness. He insisted that I take my Dad to a very late lunch on the Plaza and he sat with my Mother in the post-op recovery room until we returned from lunch. When we returned, he was sitting right by her bedside, holding her hand. I cried when I witnessed so much compassion and care from our family doctor. Dr. Perryman was a good friend to all of us. He was the best doctor I could ever hope to have. He was admired and well respected by all. I was scheduled to see him again in August. I will miss him very much. We have all lost a precious soul; our hope--we will get to see him again in Heaven. May the Lord give all of you peace and comfort each of you during these difficult days. Dr. Perryman was, indeed, a great man! I will miss him!
Ellen Richter
July 13, 2022
Dear Kathy and family, my sincere condolences for your loss. Sending prayers and hugs.
Armi Holcomb
July 13, 2022
To dear Kathie and family,
My sincere condolence.
Carol Quiring
July 12, 2022
It´s difficult to find just the right words to express how grateful and blessed I was to have worked with Dr Perryman on the Saint Luke´s Home Care and Hospice Board. For over 15 years he gave generously of his time , knowledge, and compassionate support. He was a good friend and such a wise mentor.
My sincerest sympathies to Kathy and family. He so often spoke of his pride in each of you. Lifting you up in prayers of peace and comfort.
Jean D. Wagner
July 12, 2022
Dr. Perryman was a kind, giant sole! He never was in a rush, always a delight to talk to and a brilliant man! I will miss him so! Thoughts go out to his family! He was definitely one of a kind! RIP!
Gary and Anita Robb
July 12, 2022
We were most fortunate to be patients of `Chris for many many years. His caring demeanor and wise advice will carry us for years to come. He will be sorely missed in this community and was loved by many many people. He was a paragon of what a physician and a human being should be.
Susan R
July 11, 2022
Dr. Perryman was my doctor for more than 30 years. Sick or not, he always made me feel better after my appointments. He was so upbeat and kind, not to mention smart and knowledgeable. He listened to me and took the time to explain things, treating me with respect.
My prayers for your comfort and peace are with you, his family. May the Lord be with you always.
Frank Titterington
July 11, 2022
Chris has been one of the finest physicians I´ve had the honor to work with over the past 45 years. We both helped found Saint Luke´s Internal Medicine 30 years ago, he as medical director and I as chairman. He had the best combination of humor, integrity and foresight in guiding a bunch of private practice, independent internists into a modern hospital owned primary care group
Alan Gamis
July 11, 2022
Dr Perryman was truly a gifted physician. I will always be grateful to have known you Chris as you were most definitely the doctor´s doctor. Kathy and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you and I know you will draw comfort every time you recall his wonderful smile and sparkle in his eye.
Cathy Hall
July 11, 2022
Dr. Perryman was my Doctor since 2004. He was not only my Doctor, but my friend! He was a wonderful, kind and caring Doctor. I don't know what I will do without Dr. Perryman.
Sabrina Granberg
July 11, 2022
Dr Perryman...what can I say you were an amazing doctor and friend. I enjoyed working with you for the last couple of years! You taught me so much. You will truly be missed! Sending hugs and prayers to his family.
Cindy Hayde
July 10, 2022
Admired and respected by any nurse who worked with him while caring for his patients. He will be missed. My prayers and positive thoughts go out to his family.
Joyce Orlowski
July 10, 2022
It was an honor to have known this great, healing physician. Prayers of peace and comfort to his friends and family.
Floyd Finch
July 10, 2022
I have never met a kinder, more genial doctor. It was always a pleasure to see him, and I always felt he truly cared about me as his patient. My condolences to his family and friends. I will miss him.
Greg Zenitsky
July 10, 2022
We just heard today that our beloved Dr. Perryman has passed away. We are speechless. Chris was not only our doctor but a friend to my wife and I. A brilliant doctor who instilled in us the utmost trust. I don't know what we will do without Dr. Perryman. Our deepest sympathies are extended to his wife and family.
Marian E. Philip
July 10, 2022
Dr. Perryman was my doctor for 38 years. He was not only an excellent physician, but a kind, caring and compassionate man. He took care of me through two serious illnesses and I will miss him very much. My sincere sympathies to his family.
Suzanne n John Fowler
July 10, 2022
Dr. Perryman has been our doctor since we moved to Kansas 36 years ago! I have never met a more kinder r, knowledgeable, funny person and you could certainly say, "He cared for his patients". You will certainly be missed by all!
Dana Lake
July 10, 2022
I am so sad to hear of Dr. Perrymans passing. He's been my doctor for over 30 years. He was the kindest, most genuine doctor I've ever known. May he rest in peace. You will be missed by many!
Pat Neubauer
July 10, 2022
So grateful for having known and worked with Chris. Feeling very sad to hear if his passing.
Kathy Dmith
July 9, 2022
I became a patient, within a month of Chris opening his practice in KC, a small office across the street from St Luke´s. You would call for an appointment and he could see you that day. We all know that changed!! We were both just kids.
45 years later.., he was not only my Dr, but my friend. Early years he sat with me when my daughter had surgery and more recently he came to see my husband Mike at the hospital the day Mike passed away. I will forever be grateful to this amazing caring man.
Brenda Christ
July 9, 2022
Working with Dr Perryman over the last 30 years has been such a blessing. He was such a warm, caring and funny person. I will miss him greatly. Kathy, Natalie,Katie,Max, Mollie and other family I am so sorry for your loss. I wish you peace and comfort in the coming times. He is in heaven looking over and protecting you.
Bob brown
July 9, 2022
Chris was not only my doctor for many years, but he was a genuine friend who I confided in. He was humble, intelligent, and above all, a very caring person. He will be missed
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