James Donald Perkins

James Donald Perkins, 82, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025, in Terra Bella, California. He was born on March 3, 1943, in Berkeley, California.

James spent part of his childhood in Silver Bell, Arizona, a small mining town, where at age 12 he lost his left arm and leg in an accidental explosion involving old blasting caps near the closed mine. True to his nature, he later delighted in spinning outrageous stories about the accident, always to the laughter of others. Afterward, his family lived in several small towns before settling in Woodville, California, where he learned the values that guided his life: a little trouble-making and a lot of love. Gifted in mathematics, he attended Vocational School in Bakersfield, earning a certificate in Bookkeeping.

James began his career at H&R Block in Porterville, later serving as General Manager of Acala Cotton Ginning in Strathmore. In 1984, he became a partner at Crumbliss & Horton, Inc., in Terra Bella, working alongside his father-in-law, Elmer Horton, and his brother-in-law, Lee Horton, where he remained until his retirement. He was also a certified tax preparer and private bookkeeper for small businesses throughout Tulare County. Known for his honesty, dependability, and strong work ethic, James took pride in providing for his family and doing right by others.

Easy-going and quick to make friends, James valued community. He was a longtime member of the Rollin' Relics Car Club in Porterville, proudly showing his 1957 Chevy and 1947 Delivery, and the Porterville Elks Lodge, where he enjoyed weekly poker games.

A devoted car enthusiast, James never missed the Winter National Drag Race in Pomona and traveled widely for car shows and races. When he could no longer travel, a race was always on his TV. He also enjoyed restoring vintage cars, cheering for the LA Dodgers, and rooting for the Green Bay Packers. His happiest moments were spent around the table with family and friends, sharing good food, cuss rummy, poker, jokes, childhood rhymes, and laughter. Known as Jim or Jumpin' Jimmy, his warm smile and quiet generosity revealed the soft heart beneath his tough exterior.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Slim and Gelean Perkins, and his wives, Alice Lambert-Perkins (m. 1962, d. 1975) and Teresa Horton-Perkins (m. 1979, d. 2017).

He is survived by his daughters, Jacki Perkins (Jim Vlahos) and Jennifer Brown Smith (Gorden); grandchildren, Patrick Wright (Maria), Benjamin Brown, and Cooper Brown; great-grandchildren, Cameron and Maeve Wright; his brother, Andy Perkins (Cheryl); his sister, Paula Perkins; and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 24, at 1:00 p.m., at 8924 Road 244, Terra Bella. This will be an informal gathering; guests are invited to drop in, share stories, have a bite, and raise a margarita in his honor. All who knew and loved James are welcome.