James "Jim" Pernini

Having served with Jim on the Francis Marion as a JO, I saw a man of integrity, honesty, humor and a role model to be emulated. I know that you´ve heard that final "Bravo Zulu". Well Done ... my good and faithful servant. One final salute, my friend.

Jim Pernini was the most honest person, and leader of great character that I ever met. Reporting to him on the Francis Marion during my years of service in the Navy was a great experience - and I learned a great deal from him. Prayers are going out to his family....Peace

Captain Pernini was an amazing Captain. The way he led our crew on the SUMTER was such a welcome change from his predecessor. I never once heard of him losing his temper at the crew. I admired him so much that I asked him to be the officiant at my first re-enlistmwnt on May 17, 1984. During that ceremony he also pinned me with my Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist insignia. Such a proud moment too. He alsowas an inspector on INSURV(Ithink) and visited my electrical tool issue room on the USS WASP about 6 years later. He remembered me and we had a really nice conversation. CAPT Pernini will be sorely missed. Rest well sir, we have the watch.

Fair winds and following seas Skipper, may you rest in peace.

THE greatest CO I ever had. I spent the last 2 years with the Captain on the Sumter before I reenlisted and moved on. He was genuinely a very compassionate commander, caring for his crew. He will be missed.

Very sorry to hear of the loss of Captain Pernini. I was stationed aboard the USS Sumter under his command and he was the best commanding officer I had in my 12 years in the Navy. Captain Pernini always treated his crew with respect and I know he took pride in his command and the gator Navy. Many great memories from our Med 84-85 deployment and all my time aboard the Sumter. Fair winds and following seas Captain Pernini and thank you for the positive influence you made in my life.

So sorry to hear this Captain Pernini was great CO and a tremendous influence in my live. My sincere condolences to his family.

So sorry to hear of James passing. I've had the the pleasure to serve under his command on the Sumter 83,84,85. One of the fairest men I have ever met. He made time for me, and made me feel a part of his crew. May we sail again on some future sea. Fair winds Captain Pernini !

Joe Owens my condolences on the loss of a great man. I was his former CMAA on the El Paso. God Bless you all.

Captain Pernini was without a Doubt the Best Commanding Officer that I Ever Served Under. He was a True Gator Sailor that Cared for his Sailors. R.I.P

Jim was a true gentleman with a great sense of humor. His gator fries, El Paso food promotions and staged "kidnapping" of another´s ships gator mascot made for an enjoyable deployment. He will be sorely missed by the gator community.
Mort Kenyon
Capt, USN, Ret
COMPHIBRON 4

Jim was truly a great gentleman, and professional "gator". My condolences to the family,
Gordon Holder
VADM, USN (Ret)